Big Top Ban: Massachusetts Cracks Down on Circus Cruelty, Outlaws Use of Tigers, Elephants, and Other Animals
Massachusetts Governor Signs Bill Banning Exotic Animals in Circuses
On October 28, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey ceremonially signed a bill banning the use of certain exotic animals, including tigers and elephants, in circuses.
The bill, which was signed into law in August, will take effect on January 1, 2025, and prohibits the use of primates, giraffes, and bears by live performance groups, including circuses, carnivals, and fairs.
Violators of the new law may be fined between $500 and $10,000 for each use of a prohibited animal.
The bill does not prohibit zoos from keeping these animals, nor does it restrict film crews from using animals in movie productions. Additionally, there are no restrictions on the use of locally raised animals, such as horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits, by performance groups.
animal rights activists came to the governor’s office to support the animal rights bill that will be implemented early next year.” width=”600″ height=”400″/>
The bill was co-sponsored by Massachusetts Representative Carole Fiola and Senator Bruce Tarr. The two congressmen, along with other Massachusetts dignitaries, representatives of animal protection groups, and many other guests, attended the signing ceremony.
“We want to make sure animals are protected from abuse and exploitation and are well cared for,” Governor Healey said.
The bill was proposed by Massachusetts lawmakers in response to several animal performance accidents in recent years, including the death of an Asian elephant named “Beulah” at the 2019 “Big E” carnival in West Springfield, Massachusetts.