ASSOCIATION CIRCUS MEMBERS
Animals in Circuses and Exhibitions: Legislative Update S
by Vanessa Gagne, Government Relations and Communications Consultant
pring is in the air and this year the state legislative sessions have ramped up like crazy. Since New York banned the retail sale of cats, dogs, and rabbits in pet stores, several other states have introduced the same legisla- tion. This requires any store that wishes to offer those animals for purchase must source them from a rescue or a shelter. While that may sound helpful, it eliminates consumer choice and actu- ally promotes the importa-
tion of dogs with no known health or behavior history. It is a complicated issue for sure. We all know and feel the impact of egg prices (among many other things during inflation). Since California and Massachusetts have passed cage free egg laws, more states like New York and Hawaii are introducing legislation to follow in their footsteps. What lies underneath the surface of those laws is the impact on families and farmers. I have read reports from the Ag industry saying that cage free egg laying hens are more susceptible to avian flu. In any case, demanding that farmers either retrofit their farms at the tune of millions of dollars or quit farming altogether is not a good way to feed America. If you are from these states make sure you tell your senators and representatives you want food security and animal welfare stan- dards, but not at the behest of animal rights extremists. The federal bills have yet to start really trickling in, so we’ll have to wait and see what to expect in the coming year. Remember, this federal session lasts from 2023-2025. Since the Big Cat Public Safety Act was signed into law, many facilities are looking at the future and preparing for the “What now?” Since that had so much momentum, definitely look for the circus animal performance ban to be reintroduced. Over the holidays an exotic animal performance ban passed in Northampton, MA. It will directly affect any exotics or petting zoos at the Three County Fair. Even a church displaying camels for a live nativity scene at Christmastime is illegal in their city code. Both OABA and USARK engaged on this to no avail. There was also a similar ban introduced in Suffolk County,
NY, to target a local business that offers sloth encounters. Luckily enough opposition wrote in to oppose it, as it would have made any educational school presentations with exotic animals illegal and ended the petting zoo at the Long Island Fun Fest. The proposed ordinance was laid on the table.
MARCH 2023 | OABA ShowTime Magazine 29
It is extremely important that we stay on top of these seem- ingly innocent bans — they do and will affect us! Here are some bills we are monitoring. Please check the week- ly updates in ShowTime Xtra to see any action items that come up and how to engage on these bills when they have hearings.
CT HB 5123 — To prohibit the use of certain animals in travel- ing animal acts.
NM SB 134 — No exotic animals in traveling performances.
NY A 575 — Prohibits certain acts in rodeos; imposes penalties for the violation of such acts.
WA HB 1157/SB 5148 — Prohibiting the display of wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement.
As always, please let us know if you hear anything coming down the pike. If you ever have any questions or concerns feel free to reach out to me anytime. Yes, I work for OABA but that means all of you.
See you down the road, Vanessa
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