Today at Big Cat Rescue Nov 3
Does anyone have a bill number yet on Rep. James Moran bill to ban traveling acts that use wild animals?
Rep. Moran, Bob Barker, Jorja Fox Announce Bill to Limit Use of Exotic Animals in Traveling Circus Shows
Animal Protection
Washington DC – Congressman Jim Moran, Northern Virginia Democrat, today joined celebrity animal protection advocates Bob Barker and Jorja Fox in introducing the “Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act” (TEAPA) to restrict the use of exotic, non-domestic animals touring with circuses.
“Based upon publically available research, including video and photographic evidence, it is clear that traveling circuses cannot provide the proper living conditions for exotic animals. This legislation is intended to target the most egregious situations involving exotic and wild animals in traveling circuses,” said Rep. Jim Moran. “Keeping elephants in chains, confining lions and tigers in small cages, forcing them to perform unnatural tricks for the sole purpose of human amusement is increasingly difficult to justify the more we learn about these intelligent, social creatures.”
Recent news reports highlighted the mistreatment of wild animals in traveling circus shows, including limited travel space and long hours inside vehicles, cruel training methonds and stress from abnormal living conditions.
The “Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act” would comprehensively tackle the use of all exotic animals in circuses. The bill would end the keeping of animals for extended periods in temporary facilities, and the cruel training and control methods employed by circuses and address public safety issues.
“Americans are becoming increasingly aware that circus animals suffer from violent training techniques and severe confinement,” said Philanthropist and TV host of The Price Is Right Bob Barker. “Big, wild animals should not be part of the traveling circus and simply put, animal acts in circuses are antiquated and belong in the past, in a time when humans were ignorant about the needs of the other species who share our planet. “
“Congress has a responsibility to protect the welfare of animals and ensure public safety. A prohibition on the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling circuses is proportionate, responsible, the least expensive solution to this problem, and long overdue,” said CSI actress Jorja Fox. “We call on Congress to bring to an end, once and for all, the abuse and suffering that has been exposed by ADI time and time again.”
The “Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act” targets only the most egregious conditions and would not impact zoos, aquariums, rodeos or other static facilities with captive wildlife.
