Urge Congress to Support Ban on Exotic Animals in Circuses!
Dear John,
Wild animals used in traveling shows are confined, deprived, and punished for human entertainment. It's time to end this exploitative and inhumane practice, and ban the use of exotic animals in circuses.
A federal bill reintroduced in November 2021 called the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA) would do just that.
The tigers, monkeys, elephants, and other animals used in circuses endure countless hours confined in cramped cages and trailers as they're hauled from show to show. They are deprived of physical and social needs, and many display behaviors indicative of severe mental distress. Animals are often subjected to cruel training methods and may be beaten, restrained, and sedated by their handlers. Keeping wild animals in such close proximity to humans also poses a significant public safety risk, and there have been numerous tragic incidents resulting in injury or death.
Seven states and more than 170 local governments have passed legislation to restrict or ban exotic animal acts. TEAPSPA would unify the patchwork of laws in our country and finally ban the use of exotic animals in circuses nationwide.