Massachusetts has passed a bill protecting several large animals from exploitation in traveling acts, according to Spectrum News 1. The bill bans companies from exhibiting elephants, giraffes, primates, bears, and big cats in circus performances, fairs, and other forms of mobile animal entertainment throughout the state.
Thanks to Massachusetts legislators and Governor Maura Healey, who signed the bill, these animals are safe from unjust treatment as performers and display exhibits.
Wild animal performers, who may be bred into captivity or stolen from their homes, are subjected to a solitary life of confinement. Although these animals are meant to roam, play, and socialize in open savannas and forests, they spend much of their lives in dark transport trailers.
Circuses are known to use brutal training methods to force animals to perform unnatural behaviors in front of crowds. While the performance looks glamorous, the animals are often whipped and coerced with weapons behind the scenes. Western Massachusetts Animal Rights Advocates (WMARA) has been working toward a ban on the use of animals in traveling entertainment programs for more than two decades, reported Spectrum News 1.
“For years, circuses have harmed the welfare of animals for the sake of entertainment, allowing animals to suffer in poor living conditions and stressful environments,” Governor Healey said in a press release. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for taking the steps needed to prevent this kind of animal mistreatment in Massachusetts.”
Beginning on January 1, 2025, anyone found to be in violation of the new bill could could face fines between $500 to $10,000 per animal.
Wild animals deserve the free, boundless life of their ancestors. Their inherent wildness does not go away when they are forced into captivity. Lady Freethinker commends Governor Healey, Massachusetts lawmakers, and animal rights activists for taking action to make their state a safer, kinder, and more compassionate place for animals.
