California Governor Newsom Signs Circus Cruelty Prevention Act
An Animal Rights Article from All-Creatures.org

FROM SCIL Social Compassion in Legislation
October 12, 2019

Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 313 (Senator Bill Hueso, D-San Diego) into law today, meaning species such as elephants, monkeys, bears and tigers will no longer be forced to perform in circuses.

circus Lions

Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 313 (Senator Bill Hueso, D-San Diego) into law today, meaning species such as elephants, monkeys, bears and tigers will no longer be forced to perform in circuses. Co-sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and PETA, the law prohibits the use of animals as performers in all California circuses.

“This is a historic day for California as we join the growing number of states and localities stepping up to implement similar bans,” says Senator Hueso. “I’m very proud of the work we’ve accomplished to close the curtain on circuses in our state that exploit these beautiful creatures.”

Circuses travel nearly year-round, in all weather extremes, with animals confined in cramped, sometimes filthy trailers and trucks and often lacking necessities like water, food and veterinary care. If they do not perform properly and do unnatural tricks, they are often beaten.

“Elephants and bears don’t ride bikes or jump through hoops because they want to – they’re afraid of what happens in they don’t,” says Social Compassion in Legislation founder and CEO Judie Mancuso. “We are cheering Governor Newsom and compassionate lawmakers for slamming the door on abusive circus shows and showing what a kinder future looks like.”

Circus trainers often force animals to perform by using muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks and other weapons that cause extreme pain. California now joins Hawaii and New Jersey that have animal circus bans.

“Camels will no longer be beaten, tigers will no longer be whipped and lions will no longer be caged and dragged across California for tawdry, cruel circus shows,” says PETA foundation Deputy Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews. “PETA is proud to have joined Social Compassion in Legislation to sponsor Senator Hueso’s lifesaving bill – and looks to all other states to follow California’s compassionate lead.”


Return to Animal Rights Articles