Progress! Traveling Circuses in WA Will No Longer Exploit Big Cats, Bears, Elephants, or Primates

Washington has just achieved a major victory for animals suffering in the entertainment industry by becoming the 12th state in the nation to outlaw the exploitation of big cats, bears, elephants, nonhuman primates, and their hybrids, in traveling circuses. Governor Bob Ferguson signed SB 5065 into law on April 22nd, and the compassionate legislation will go into effect in just 90 days.

This victory is the result of growing awareness of the horrific cruelty faced by animals in the circus industry, combined with years of tireless advocacy by animal protection groups in Washington who have been pushing for animal welfare reforms, securing several legislative successes. As a result, Washington has become a leader in animal protection, with notable victories in the fight to end cosmetics testing on animals, and to prevent octopus factory farming. This new law protecting animals from the horrors of life in traveling circuses is a critical step forward that will hopefully inspire other states to follow suit, increasing momentum for a similar national law.

While state-level victories are important, a federal ban such as the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA), remains the most effective way to prevent the suffering of animals in traveling circuses across the United States. You can help by singing our petition urging Congress to reintroduce and finally pass this critical bill into law.