MA Bans Circus Animal Shows To Stop 'Inhumane Mistreatment'

MASSACHUSETTS — Gov. Maura Healey has signed a new law banning the use of exotic, wild animals in traveling performances.

The law makes Massachusetts the eleventh state to ban such performances, most commonly seen in traveling circuses. But well known circuses, including Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, have already stopped using animals in traveling shows.

The Massachusetts bill has been before state lawmakers in some form for almost two decades. This year, the measure passed unanimously in both the House and Senate before Healey signed it on Friday.

For years, animal rights groups have been drawing attention to the mistreatment of animals like elephants, tigers and bears, releasing covert footage of animals being abused, subject to electrical shocks and being prodded by bull hooks. Some trainers have been mauled, and some animals that have escaped circuses, only to be killed while on the run.

"Here in Massachusetts, we believe in protecting those who can’t protect themselves, and that extends to animals,” Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll said in a news release. "This law protects animals from inhumane mistreatment and ensures that Massachusetts has safer and more humane animal welfare."

The ban on animal performances goes into effect on Jan. 1, and also applies to traveling carnivals and fairs.