BOSTON (AP) — Massachusetts has taken a significant step towards animal welfare with the recent enactment of a new law that bans the use of elephants, lions, giraffes, and other wild animals in traveling entertainment acts such as circuses, carnivals, and fairs. Governor Maura Healey signed the bill into law on Friday, marking a pivotal moment in the state’s commitment to preventing the mistreatment of animals.
The legislation, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025, prohibits the exhibition of certain wild animals, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, and primates, in traveling shows. The ban also applies to any use of these animals for entertainment purposes, effectively putting an end to their performance in circuses and similar venues.
Exceptions to the law include animals residing in accredited zoos and those used in film productions. Non-exotic animals such as horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits will not be affected by the new restrictions and can continue to be featured in various exhibitions.
Governor Healey underscored the importance of the legislation in her statement: “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. This law will help prevent such mistreatment and promote better standards of care for these animals.”
The enforcement of the new regulations will fall under the purview of the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife. Additionally, the state Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, along with state and local law enforcement agencies, will be responsible for ensuring compliance. The law stipulates civil penalties ranging from $500 to $10,000 per animal for violations.
With this new measure, Massachusetts joins a growing list of states that have imposed restrictions on the use of wild animals in entertainment. According to the Humane Society of the United States, Massachusetts is now the 11th state to implement such regulations. This reflects a broader trend of increasing scrutiny and reform in the treatment of animals used in traveling shows.
The move comes at a time when the use of live animals in entertainment has been declining. Prominent examples include the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which phased out elephants from their performances in 2016. Additionally, the Topsfield Fair ceased its elephant exhibits following a municipal ban in 2019, and King Richard’s Faire, one of New England’s largest Renaissance festivals, ended its exotic cat shows in 2020.
More Read
Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for the Humane Society, praised the new law as a critical advancement in animal protection. “This historic legislation marks the end of an era where tigers, elephants, and other wild animals were forced to perform under deplorable conditions, including being whipped and confined to small cages while traveling from show to show,” Patel said. “The new law ensures these animals are protected from abusive training methods and harsh conditions.”
The legislation reflects a growing public awareness and concern over the welfare of animals used in entertainment. Advocates have long criticized the circus industry for its treatment of wild animals, pointing out the physical and psychological distress caused by training practices and the conditions in which animals are kept. The use of devices such as bullhooks, whips, and electric prods has been a particular point of contention, with many arguing that these methods are inhumane.
By implementing this ban, Massachusetts is sending a strong message about the ethical treatment of animals and setting a precedent for other states to follow. The law aims not only to protect the animals currently used in entertainment but also to encourage a shift towards more humane and ethical forms of public entertainment.
As the law comes into effect, stakeholders, including circus operators and animal welfare organizations, will need to navigate the transition. The focus will be on ensuring that affected animals are relocated to appropriate facilities and that the industry adapts to the new regulations. Massachusetts’ legislative action is poised to contribute to a broader movement towards more compassionate treatment of animals and a reevaluation of traditional entertainment practices.
