Elephants and exotic animals banned from the circus

As of January 1, 2020, new legislation has passed that prohibits the use of exotic animals in circuses within California. The only animals which are allowed to be used as of now are domestic animals, such as dogs, cats, and horses. This means that the days of viewing theatrics involving bears, monkeys, tigers, elephants and other staples of the circus have come to an end. Legislation SB 313 was sponsored by PETA and Social Compassion, who contributed by aiding in research, collecting expert testimonials and generating public support regarding the protection of exotic animals. Overall, this law will ensure that the various exotic animals held in captivity throughout the state of California will no longer be subjected to the mistreatment many of them face on a daily basis.

Officially signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom, the bill was initially introduced by state senator Ben Hueso seven months ago. This law authorizes civil penalties to be taken against anyone who violates the terms. It specifies that any party in violation of the terms is liable to pay up to twenty-five thousand dollars for each day of the violation. Though an outspoken minority argued that circus animals are well cared for and that many Californians would miss the experience of traveling circuses should the law pass, the California state Senate approved the bill with a vote of 35-0. Currently, California is the fifth state to have a law placing a ban on exotic animals in circuses. Hawaii, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey are states with this kind of legislation already in place. Legislation SB 313 has had an overwhelming amount of support from local organizations and the people of California.

Sources Cited

“Bill Text.” Bill Text - SB-313 Animals: Prohibition on Use in Circuses., leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billTextClient.xhtml?bill_id=201920200SB313.