Representative Jim Moran (D-Va.) may just be our new favorite person. In early March 2014, he introduced a historic bill aimed at banning cosmetics animal testing in the U.S. and now he’s back again taking another strong stance against animal exploitation by reinntroducing the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act (H.R. 4525). What this fabulous bill will do, if passed, is outlaw the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling circuses! Now, wouldn’t that be fantastic?!
Circuses are notorious animal abusers. They keep wild animals confined to cages for nearly 96 percent of their lives and use cruel training methods, such as food/water restriction, bull hooks, stun guns, and beatings, to force them to perform and do tricks.
“The mounting evidence of inhumane treatment and the growing public concern for these animals demands that we reconsider what are appropriate living conditions for these intelligent, social creatures,” said Rep. Moran.
Moran’s bill, which was introduced with the help of Animal Defenders International (ADI), would allow the U.S. to join the ranks of countries like Bolivia, Greece, Austria, the Netherlands, Slovenia, Croatia and Cyrus who have already stepped up and banned the use of wild animals in circuses.
The U.S. should be on this amazing list too, don’t you think?
“Magnificent wild animals have no place in a traveling circus, and with this bill, the US takes the lead with 27 countries across the world that have taken action of end the suffering. Due to the very nature of the traveling circus, wild animals cannot move around or exercise naturally, they live their whole lives chained or tied up, or in small cages that fit on the back of a truck. This lack of freedom leads to health, behavioral and psychological problems,” said ADI president Jan Creamer.
Join Rep. Moran in urging Congress to outlaw wild animals in U.S. circuses. Contact your representatives today and ask that they become co-sponsors of the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act (H.R. 4525). Be a voice for the estimated 300 animals still suffering in traveling circuses – let’s set them free!
Image Source: Joe Shlabotnik/Flickr
Hey guys! Here\’s a link to a new petition to help support HR 4525.
https://www.change.org/petitions/house-committee-on-agriculture-livestock-rural-development-and-credit-support-h-r-4525-traveling-exotic-animal-protection-act
In general a high quality zoo with great facilities and funding are ok with me in protecting endangered wildlife however, circus animals, whales at theme parks and other forms of treating animals as entertainment are sad to me.
Where can we add our signatures?
you can add your signature here! Feel free to share this link with any friends and family. Hopefully if we gather enough support we can help pass the bill along :)
https://www.change.org/petitions/house-committee-on-agriculture-livestock-rural-development-and-credit-support-h-r-4525-traveling-exotic-animal-protection-act