BOSTON—A landmark bill ending the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits and shows in Massachusetts (H.4915) was signed into law today by Gov. Maura Healey. This legislation protects wild animals from being used as props in entertainment, enduring abusive training methods, and being forced into prolonged confinement and hauled from city to city. Training methods include the use of bullhooks, whips and electric prods.
With Gov. Healey’s signature on this legislation, Massachusetts became the 11th state to enact restrictions on the use of wild animals in traveling exhibits and shows.
Preyel Patel, Massachusetts state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said: "After more than two decades of tireless advocacy to end the cruel exploitation of wild animals in circuses, our state has taken a monumental step forward to protect animals and the public. This historic legislation marks the end of an era where tigers, elephants and other wild animals are forced to perform under deplorable conditions including being whipped and forced into small cages to travel from show to show across the Commonwealth. The compassion of bill sponsors, Chairwoman Carole Fiola and Leader Brad Jones, and Senators Adam Gomez and Bruce Tarr, along with the leadership of Speaker Ron Mariano, Senate President Karen Spilka, Chairman Aaron Michlewitz, Chairman Michael Rodrigues, Chairwoman Mindy Domb and Chairman Paul Mark, has been instrumental in achieving this victory. Wild animals will no longer be subjected to a life of suffering for entertainment in our state."
Since 1990, the U.S. has witnessed nearly 160 dangerous incidents involving big cats, bears, elephants and primates used in these shows, tragically resulting in 10 adult deaths, 136 adult injuries and 73 injuries to children. In 2017, a capuchin monkey at a petting zoo in the Brockton Fair in Massachusetts bit an 18-year-old girl. In 2019, Beulah, an Asian elephant who was used by Commerford & Sons for over 40 years to give rides to circus and fairgoers in Massachusetts and other states, died from an infection that plagued her for years while she was forced to work. Another exhibitor, Carson & Barnes, which provided elephants to numerous Massachusetts traveling shows, was caught on camera abusing elephants with bullhooks and electric prods and was also responsible for elephant escapes. In April 2024, an elephant named Viola bolted from handlers for the third time, while performing in Montana.
“Having witnessed the overwhelming evidence and strong public sentiment against the use of wild animals in traveling acts, I am proud to see this crucial legislation enacted," said Representative Fiola. "As a sponsor of this bill, it has been a profound responsibility and privilege to champion significant change. With over two-thirds of Massachusetts voters supporting the ban on wild animal acts, it's clear that our constituents demanded an end to animal exploitation for entertainment. This legislation not only reflects that collective desire but also reinforces our state's commitment to the humane treatment of all animals."
Sen. Gomez emphasized the significance of this legislative victory, stating: “In 2019, we witnessed a tragic event in our district during the Big E Fair, when an elephant named Beulah, owned by R.W. Commerford & Sons, collapsed and died. She had been taken from her mother in the wild at a young age and spent her life in conditions that ultimately led to her premature death. Her story is a heartbreaking reminder of the urgency of this legislation. With the passage of these bills, Massachusetts has taken a firm stand against such mistreatment and neglect, ensuring a more humane future for these animals.”
"The passage of this bill continues our state's leadership on animal welfare issues, and will protect these elephants, big cats, giraffes and others from the hardships and adversity involved in traveling from place to place for shows. Thanks to the many stakeholders and legislators who have collaborated on the long legislative journey, this bill has traveled to become law,” said Senate Minority Leader Tarr.
House Minority Leader Jones underscored the importance of this legislation, stating: "Federal laws are outdated and fail to protect wild animals from cruel practices. By passing this bill, Massachusetts is taking a bold stand against the inhumane treatment of animals in circuses and traveling shows."
“With this important legislation, Massachusetts is embracing a future where circuses rely on the incredible talents of human performers and align with the public’s values and expectations around caring for animals,” said Rep. Domb, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
“With 15 municipalities in Massachusetts already banning the use of wild animals in traveling shows, the statewide passage of this bill marks a significant milestone," said Sen. Mark, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. "This collective effort demonstrates our dedication to animal welfare and sets a powerful example for other states to follow."
Images of how circus animals are treated.