Stop Circus Suffering

Massachusetts state bill introduced to prohibit wild animal acts

Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr has introduced SD.2002 – a bill to prohibit traveling wild and exotic animal acts in the state.

Massachusetts State Senator Bruce Tarr has introduced SD.2002 – a bill to prohibit traveling wild and exotic animal acts in the state. ADI was honored to work with Senator Tarr and local advocates on the bill, reflecting increasing public recognition that these acts are both cruel and dangerous.

This follows the Feld organization recently announcing its closure of Ringling Bros. circuses, citing decreased ticket sales over the last decade, a change in views from audiences, and admitting that “It isn’t relevant to people in the same way.”

ADI has led the campaign to expose the suffering and educate the public around the world, providing video evidence, prosecutions, and expert reviews. 34 nations have reviewed the evidence and taken action to end traveling circus performances. Across 27 states in the US, 68 jurisdictions have already decided to either ban or restrict the use of wild animals in traveling shows, due to concerns about public safety and animal welfare.

ADI is also supporting Representatives Ryan Costello (R-PA) and Raul Grijalva (D-AZ), who launched Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA) in Congress last November. The congressmen have concluded that ending wild animal use is the only practical approach to deal with public safety issues and inspection and oversight problems repeatedly cited by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG).

Once a ban is in place, ADI has offered to assist with the relocation of circus animals should the need arise. Despite assurances from the circus industry, the physical and psychological health of animals in circuses is inevitably compromised. Animals in circuses are routinely subjected to brutal training methods and violence.

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Comments

  1. Carol Ohlendorf · 24 January 2017 at 5:05a

    We need to be working to protect all wild animals and the citizens of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania from cruel and dangerous traveling animal acts.

  2. Debbie · 24 January 2017 at 5:05a

    I heard that Barnum and Bailey is stopping it’s circus act which brought wonderful memories of going to the circus in the 1960s yet seeing the reality of what these animals went through for our entertainment brought a new light.
    I was wanting to see one more show yet seeing the way you have rescued, cared for and saved these amazing creatures has changed my mind. No more mistreatment of any animals thanks to your efforts. The animals thank you from the bottom of their hearts. May they know nothing but freedom and love the rest of their days!

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