PETITION CLOSED
PETITION TARGET: Washington Governor Bob Ferguson
Behind the bright circus lights, animals used in traveling acts often endure intense psychological suffering and are robbed of their freedom and dignity. They may spend their lives isolated in tiny cages, shackled, and forced to perform for human entertainment through intimidation and violence.
Now, a newly proposed bill in Washington would ban elephants, bears, nonhuman primates, and big cats from being exploited in traveling animal acts in the state. These involve events where animals are transported and forced to do tricks, carry riders, or be part of “entertainment” for spectators.
If Senate Bill 5065 is passed, violators could receive a maximum jail sentence of 364 days, a maximum fine of $5,000, or jail time and the fine.
Elephants, big cats, bears, and other wild animals deserve to be protected from this antiquated brutality.
Sign our petition urging Washington Governor Bob Ferguson to support this bill and keep traveling animal acts from coming to the state.
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UPDATE (4/23/2025): The bill was signed into law by the governor, according to the Washington State Legislature webpage. Please click here to read our petition update news story if you’d like to learn more.
Lady Freethinker thanks the 36,000+ individuals who signed our petition to help pass this important legislation.
