Rep. Stanley asks Ways and Means to advance bill protecting elephants, big cats, primates, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows

In a letter to Aaron Michlewitz, Chair of House Ways and Means, Rep. Stanley requested favorable action on House Bill 2934, legislation relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. H.2934 received a favorable recommendation from the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Community Development and is now pending in the House Committee on Ways and Means.

H.2934 ensures that the state will no longer play a role in endangering the safety of captive elephants, big cats, primates, and bears to inhumane traveling show conditions. The bill specifically prohibits the use of these animals in traveling shows in the state, allowing them to move and live natural lives. Banning these animals from these types of venues would also improve public health and safety as hundreds of people, including scores of children, are injured by elephants, big cats, primates, and bears used in circuses and traveling shows every year.

Currently, many kinds of animals are participants in circuses, fairs, and other traveling shows where they are unfairly treated and even harmed. Disadvantaged from not being in their natural environment, these highly intelligent, social animals are being subjected to cruel treatment and a life on the road where they are deprived of exercise and the ability to express even the most basic, natural behaviors.