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.
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.”