PETITION TARGET: Suffolk County Legislature
UPDATE: 4/23/2024: In great news for animals, Long Island’s Sloth Encounters, which forced solitary sloths to interact with humans for “entertainment,” was ordered to shut down by the Suffolk County Supreme Court. We’re still urging Long Island to ban the use of all wild and exotic animals in traveling acts, including at parties, shows, and schools, so please continue to share our petition! – Lady Freethinker Staff
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Sensitive sloths dragged to boisterous birthday parties and monkeys forced to ride running dogs are being exploited in the name of “entertainment.”
But that could soon change in Suffolk County, New York, since legislators recently introduced a bill to ban the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling acts, including at parties, shows, and schools. Violators could face civil penalties of up to $2,500.
The bill also recognizes the dangers of forcing wild animals to travel and “perform,” stating that “traveling performances increase the possibility of escaping exotic, wild and/or non-domesticated animals which can wreak havoc, seriously harm workers and the public.”
The introduction of the bill follows community controversy when a business called Sloth Encounters – which forces solitary sloths to “interact” with humans in broad daylight, when they’d naturally be sleeping— temporarily closed after being ticketed for county permit violations but reportedly shifted to private home visits with the sloths, according to news reports.
Subjecting sloths – or any animals – to forced interactions, hauling them from city to city, or making them perform for profit is cruel and only teaches children that it’s okay to exploit animals.
It’s crucial that this lifesaving legislation in Suffolk County is passed to prevent more needless suffering.
Sign our petition urging the Suffolk County Legislature to pass the ban and inspire other local and state governments to protect wild animals who deserve to live in their natural habitats.
