Illinois Senate Passes Landmark Bill To Ban Big Cats, Primates, And Bears In Traveling Acts
Historic news today as the Illinois State Senate has officially passed HB 4255, landmark legislation that would expand Illinois’ ban on the use of wild animals in circuses, traveling acts, fairs, and other live performances.
The bill would prohibit the use of big cats, primates, and bears in traveling acts across Illinois and now heads to Illinois Governor JB Pritzker’s desk to be signed into law.
Sponsored by Sen. Linda Holmes (D-42) and Rep. Kelly Cassidy (D-14), the legislation passed the Senate today by a vote of 51-4 after previously clearing the House on April 14 by a vote of 76-33.
Illinois made history in 2017 as the first state in the nation to ban the use of elephants in traveling acts. However, animal welfare advocates say circuses and exhibitors have continued forcing other wild animals, including big cats and primates, to perform across the state despite growing public opposition.
“This legislation builds on work Illinois began nearly a decade ago to end the use of wild animals in traveling acts that pose risks to both the public and the animals involved,” said Marc Ayers, Illinois state director for Humane World for Animals.
“Illinois leaders understood then, as they do now, that pain, fear and coercion are used to force these animals to perform stressful, unnatural tricks. Public sentiment has moved decisively away from exploiting wild animals for entertainment, 12 states have enacted restrictions on the use of wild animals in traveling shows, and many established circuses like Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey now thrive with humane, animal-free performances.
“The cruelty inherent in traveling wild animal acts is incompatible with our values, and by passing this bill, the Illinois Legislature has once again taken a strong stand for animal welfare and public safety. We urge Gov. Pritzker to cement this historic progress by signing it into law.”
Wild animals forced to perform in traveling acts often endure years of extreme confinement, stressful transport, psychological distress, and inadequate care while being forced to perform unnatural tricks for entertainment.
Multiple incidents involving exhibitors operating in Illinois have also raised serious concerns, including USDA citations and ongoing allegations surrounding the treatment of tigers, monkeys, and bears used in performances.
Dangerous incidents involving big cats, primates, and bears in circuses and traveling shows have reportedly caused three deaths and more than 100 injuries across the United States in recent decades, including at least 50 involving children.
