Bipartisan legislation to prohibit use of wild animals in traveling exhibits, passed by Massachusetts House of Representatives

BOSTON — The Massachusetts House of Representative unanimously passed An Act prohibiting the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears used in traveling exhibits and shows (H.4915). This bipartisan legislation, first filed 23 years ago, serves to protect wild animals from the suffering associated with the transport as well as abusive and coercive training techniques like extreme confinement, bullhooks, whips and electric prods, all associated with transporting and exhibiting dangerous wild animals as entertainment. The urgency for these bills is amplified by the dozens of shows continuing to travel across the U.S. coupled with incidents that risk both public and worker safety.

This legislation was sponsored by Chair Carole Fiola (D-Fall River), House Minority Leader Bradley Jones (R-North Reading) with support from over 70 House members.

According to Fiola’s Office, since 1990, the U.S. has witnessed nearly 160 dangerous incidents involving big cats, bears, elephants, and primates used in traveling shows. These incidents have led to ten adult deaths, 136 adult injuries, and 73 injuries to children. Underscoring the inherent risks involved, there have been episodes where elephants have been tragically gunned down in city streets, and cases where children, including a toddler, suffered injuries from a bear encounter. Spectators have watched in alarm as trainers have been mauled by big cats, and individuals have been injured by primates such as lemurs, chimpanzees, capuchins, and baboons used in traveling shows.

“During my tenure as the Chair of the committee last session, I was deeply moved by the compelling evidence and public sentiment against the use of wild animals in traveling acts,” said Chair Fiola. “Now, as a sponsor of this legislation, I feel a strong obligation to ensure we bring about significant change. With over two-thirds of Massachusetts voters in favor of banning wild animal acts, it’s clear our constituents desire a future free of animal exploitation for entertainment. This bill embodies that sentiment, underscoring our commitment to the humane treatment of animals.”

House Minority Leader Jones added, “There is a critical need for legislation like this, as federal laws currently do not provide adequate protection for these animals. States and municipalities must take the lead in ending the cruel and inhumane treatment of animals in circuses and traveling shows.”

The House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, State Representative Mindy Domb (D- Amherst) stated “The circus industry has already realized that consumer preferences moved away from the use of wild animals in their shows. Today’s action by the House reaffirms our commitment to represent our constituents’ interest in demonstrating compassion and kindness and in reducing the risk of harm both to the public and to animals.”

Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for the Humane Society of the United States said:

“After 23 years of fighting to end archaic, cruel wild animal circus acts where tigers, elephants and other animals are brutally forced to perform for profit, Massachusetts is finally stepping into the 21st century. The Humane Society of the United States, along with other animal protection groups, sanctuaries and advocates across the Commonwealth have pushed for passage of this commonsense, bipartisan legislation for decades. Bill sponsors, Chair Carole Fiola and Minority Leader Bradley Jones showed their deep empathy and understanding of how wild animals used for entertainment suffer. The leadership on this bill by Speaker Mariano, Chairman Michlewitz and Chairwoman Domb will save wild animals from a lifetime of suffering as show props.”

Should this legislation become law, Massachusetts will join the 10 other states that have already implemented various restrictions on the use of wild animals in traveling exhibits and shows. Massachusetts, in particular, already has a strong precedent for enacting such policies locally, with fifteen of the 175 localities nationwide that ban wild animals in traveling acts located in the Commonwealth. Municipalities in Massachusetts with existing local bylaws and ordinances include Northampton, Amherst, Wilmington, Mendon, Braintree, Cambridge, Quincy, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Provincetown, Revere, Somerville, Topsfield, Weymouth, and Brookline.

This bill now heads to the Senate.