Traveling Animal Acts
The MSPCA-Angell opposes the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling acts including, but not limited to, any exhibition, public showing, exposition, fair, circus, carnival, parade, or similar undertaking in which animals are required to perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments for the entertainment or amusement, for an audience.
Wild and exotic animals have complex needs that are impossible to meet in a traveling entertainment act. Animals are deprived of adequate exercise and appropriate social groupings, have scant opportunities to express natural behaviors, and veterinary care can be delayed, deficient, or absent.
Handlers typically employ abusive training methods using implements such as whips, chains, electric shock prods, and bullhooks to compel wild and exotic animals to perform certain behaviors and tricks. Even an elephant used solely for photos may be subjected to painful negative reinforcement training. The suffering endured for the sake of these stunts is often lifelong, as the unnatural movements and poses can result in chronic pain and injury.
Wild and exotic animals used in traveling shows often exhibit signs of severe stress, extreme frustration, and psychological instability, all of which create public safety risks. Historically, animals used in traveling acts have caused hundreds of injuries for both handlers and spectators. Wild and exotic animals used in traveling acts are also a danger to public health, carrying and potentially transmitting zoonotic diseases.
The MSPCA-Angell also believes that traveling wild and exotic animal acts promote harmful attitudes toward and flawed understandings of wild and exotic animals. While some exhibitors assert that traveling animal shows offer educational benefits, empirical evidence does not support this claim. Research has indicated that the shows often foster problematic beliefs by, for example, normalizing wild animal captivity or creating a false impression that the animals are in abundance in nature. Finally, the MSPCA-Angell has concerns about the disposition of animals at the end of their careers and opposes the placement of wild or exotic animals into substandard parks or zoos, game farms, or individuals who intend to keep them as novelty pets.
With regard to domestic animals (for example, dogs, cats, horses, and other animals), the MSPCA-Angell encourages the public to choose to attend traveling animal acts only if the animals’ physical and behavioral needs are met at a high standard if training methods are humane, the lifetime welfare of the animals is prioritized, and the animals are presented in a way that fosters respect and sensitivity toward them. These provisions include but are not limited to being accompanied by their owners/caregivers, appropriate social groupings, opportunities to express natural behaviors, and a detailed plan to access veterinary care promptly if needed.
Therefore, the MSPCA-Angell will:
- Share information with the public about the inherent suffering in traveling wild and exotic animal acts, public health and safety risks, and the inappropriate attitudes and understandings fostered by these acts.
- Encourage the public to seek out GFAS-accredited sanctuaries or other humane alternatives instead.
- Enforce state animal cruelty laws and support municipalities as needed in enforcing their ordinances/bylaws banning wild and exotic animals in traveling animal acts.
- Encourage businesses and non-profit organizations to avoid hiring acts that use wild or exotic animals for fundraising events and instead choose human-based performances.
- Implement laws to prevent the use of wild or exotic animals in traveling acts.
