On Friday, December 21, Hawaii became the second US state to ban wild animal circus acts when Governor David Ige signed into law rule amendments to ban the import of elephants, tigers, bears, and other “dangerous” wild animals for circus and carnival performances and exhibitions. It follows adoption of the legislation by the Small Business Regulatory Review Board earlier in the month, and makes good on Governor Ige’s 2015 promise to end these cruel and dangerous acts.

ADI submitted written testimony at recent meetings, along with local advocates who’ve worked for years – some since personally witnessing the death of circus elephant Tyke in 1994 – to end circus animal cruelty in Hawaii.

Tyke was killed on the streets of Honolulu, having been shot at least 87 times after escaping the circus and fatally injuring her trainer. It was a terrible death, which Hawaiians should never have had to witness and which Tyke should never have had to suffer.

“Some stories really tear at your heart and, actually, Tyke’s story is emblematic of what circus animals suffer every day, to this day. Thanks to Governor Ige and to the people of Hawaii for honoring Tyke – it’s now time to end circus animal suffering everywhere,” noted Christina Scaringe, ADI General Counsel.

 
Studies and evidence show that the health and welfare of animals in traveling circuses is inevitably compromised due to necessarily small, barren, mobile accommodations, restricted movement, long journeys, and excessive periods of time spent in transporters and containers. Training methods are brutal – ADI undercover investigations have documented systemic violence and abuse in the US and worldwide. 

The Hawaii ban comes just a week after New Jersey became the first US state to introduce a ban on wild animal circus acts. A number of states have similar measures under consideration, including Massachusetts, New York, and Pennsylvania; meanwhile a federal bill to end the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows nationwide – the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act (TEAPSPA/H.R.1759) – is gaining bipartisan support in the US House. Around the world, 45 countries have passed national prohibitions on the use of wild and/or exotic animals – and in some cases all animals – in circuses.

American audiences are turning away from animal circuses in droves; several circuses have closed, while others have gone animal-free and thrived. 88 jurisdictions in 31 states have taken action to restrict the use of wild animals in traveling circuses, including New York City and San Francisco, which have banned wild animal circus acts.

ADI President Jan Creamer said, “The days of animals suffering in traveling circuses are numbered. We hopethat Hawaii’s decision to make circus suffering history will inspire other US states to protect people and animals when the circus comes to town.” 

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Lesley McCave, ADI Communications Director, (323) 804-9920, (323) 804-9920, or   mediadesk@ad-international.org. 

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Background – worldwide movement to end the use of wild animals in traveling shows. Growing evidence that the suffering caused to wild animals by constant travel, severe confinement, and an unnatural lifestyle has prompted authorities and governments around the world to end their use. 

In the United States, 88 jurisdictions in 31 states have taken action to restrict wild animals from traveling circuses. Hundreds of local ordinances are in place around the world, including in the UK, Europe, and South America.

National restrictions on performing animals in travelling circuses have been enacted in 45 countries – Austria, Belgium, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Cyprus, Denmark, Ecuador, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Guatemala, Hungary, India, Iran, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Latvia, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Malta, Mexico, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Scotland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Taiwan, The Netherlands, and Ukraine. Similar laws are under discussion in the UK and USA.

Animal Defenders International (ADI):  Los Angeles – London – Bogota

Ending the suffering of animals in captivity and protecting wild animals and their environments

Active worldwide to end the suffering of animals: animals in entertainment – film, television, advertising, circuses, and sport or leisure; animals used for food or fur; protection of wildlife and the environment; trade in animals; zoos, pets, entertainment, and laboratories; funding and promotion of advanced scientific methods to replace the use of animals in research; education and awareness to public, media, and officials. ADI investigates, produces evidence, and reports on the scientific, legal, and economic issues for each case study, recommending solutions. Where ADI’s evidence has been a catalyst for change, we collaborate with governments to conduct large-scale seizures of wild animals in captivity and relocate them to forever homes – back to their natural habitat wherever possible.

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