CA set to become third state to ban wild animal circus acts

California has become the third US state, after New Jersey and Hawaii, to pass legislation banning the use of wild and exotic animals in circuses. Sponsored by Senator Ben Hueso and championed by Animal Defenders International (ADI), the Circus Cruelty Prevention Act (SB313) has passed both the Assembly and Senate and now heads to Governor Newsom’s desk.

“The State Legislature has spoken loud and clear – California will not tolerate traveling animal acts that take these precious creatures out of their natural habitat and place them in dangerous conditions,” said Senator Ben Hueso (D-San Diego), author of SB313. “Now all we need to finally put an end to these animals’ suffering is the Governor’s signature. It’s the right thing to do, and it’s long overdue.”

ADI has provided data and testimony in support of SB313, and worked with local advocates and the bill's sponsor to advance the legislation.

ADI President Jan Creamer said: “We are thrilled that California continues to take the lead on animal protection issues. ADI has spent years documenting the inherent suffering of wild animals in circuses and we are delighted to see our efforts come to fruition. We urge more states to follow suit.”

Studies and evidence show that the health and welfare of animals in traveling circuses is inevitably compromised due to necessarily small, barren, mobile accommodations, restricted movement, long journeys, and excessive periods of time spent in transporters and containers. Training methods are brutal - ADI undercover investigations have documented systemic violence and abuse, occurring in the US and worldwide.

Proving that attitudes are changing with the times, American audiences have been turning away from animal circuses in droves, while according to a 2015 Gallup poll, more than two-thirds of Americans are troubled by the use of animals in traveling shows.

To date, more than 90 jurisdictions in 32 states have taken action to restrict wild animals from traveling circuses. Other states are also considering bans on wild animal circus acts, and a federal bill to end the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows nationwide – the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA) - is gaining bipartisan support. HR2863 was reintroduced in the House by Representatives Raúl Grijalva (D-AZ) and David Schweikert (R-AZ) in May, and companion bill S2121 was introduced for the first time in the Senate by Bob Menéndez (D-NJ) in July.

ADI and a growing number of animal protection organizations, and celebrities including Kal Penn, Jorja Fox, Ed Asner, James Cromwell, Ricky Gervais, Joaquin Phoenix, and Bob Barker are calling for an end to the inherent suffering of exotic and wild animals in traveling circuses.