H. 4915: An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows
This legislation prohibits the use of elephants, big cats, primates, bears, and giraffes in traveling shows in Massachusetts. Using dangerous animals for human entertainment is not only cruel to these exotic animals, but also presents a public safety risk. Such traveling shows subject highly intelligent, social animals to abusive training and near-constant travel where they are deprived of exercise and the ability to express their most basic, natural behaviors.
Governor Healey signed this bill into law on August 8, 2024.
Massachusetts residents like you have been fighting for two decades to pass a measure like this. As you know, this legislation both protects public health and safety and ensures that our state no longer participates in an industry where animals suffer from extreme confinement, abusive training, negligent lack veterinary care, and scarce opportunities to express natural behaviors.
We are also especially grateful to the legislators who — past and present -– have worked on this bill. This session, Representatives Brad Jones and Carole Fiola, and Senators Bruce Tarr and Adam Gomez, sponsored the bill and advocated each step of the way for it to get across the finish line. We couldn’t have done it without you! We hope you can take a moment to celebrate yourself for what you have helped accomplish.
