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The following was submitted by the office of Sen. Jason Lewis:
State Sens. Jason Lewis and Pat Jehlen and state Reps. Michael Day and Michelle Ciccolo joined their colleagues in the Massachusetts Legislature to pass an animal welfare bill that bans the use of elephants, big cats, bears, primates, and giraffes in traveling acts, such as circuses.
Massachusetts is the sixth state in the nation to enact similar legislation.
“As a life-long animal welfare advocate, I’m very pleased that Massachusetts has taken action to protect these incredible animals from mistreatment in traveling circuses,” said Lewis. “If people wish to see these animals outside of their natural habitats, they should visit accredited zoos, like the Stone Zoo in Stoneham, where the animals are well cared for by professional veterinarians and other staff.”
“I’ve always believed animals deserve fair treatment and protections,” said Jehlen. “Animals in zoos are better cared for than their counter-parts in traveling exhibitions who have historically been mistreated and exploited. I’m so happy that Massachusetts has taken this step to expand our protections.”
“This law will help to prevent the abuse and neglect of animals of all kinds,” said Day. “I am happy that we continue to progress as a society with this legislation.”
“I am pleased that this long overdue change has been made to protect and safeguard animals, staff, and audience members,” said Ciccolo. “Circuses are not the place to interact with large, wild animals and I thank the impassioned advocates and my colleagues who enabled this to happen.”
Circuses and other traveling shows are known for fostering dangerous conditions for large animals. Fortunately, many major establishments, such as the Topsfield Fair, have already stopped displaying these animals in recent years.
This legislation will prohibit traveling acts, such as circuses, carnivals, and fairs, from using certain large animals, including lions, tigers, leopards, bears, elephants, giraffes, and primates for entertainment starting in January 2025.
Animals that live at the zoo; animals used for filming movies; and non-exotic animals such as horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits will be exempt from this new law.
After passing in both the House of Representatives and the Senate, this legislation was signed into law by Gov. Maura Healey on Aug. 9, 2024.
