Circus animals are banned in Colorado and elsewhere

Victory for the animals! PETA has learned that Colorado Gov. Jared Polis has signed the Traveling Animals Protection Act (SB 21-135) into law. The bill, which bans the use of elephants, big cats, bears and other animals in circuses and other traveling shows in the state, will take effect 90 days after the legislature opens later this year. The law should also end dangerous animal displays at the Colorado Renaissance Festival, including elephant and camel rides and exotic cat shows. Colorado joins California, Hawaii, Illinois, New Jersey and New York to enforce travel restrictions. Below you can find a more complete list of localities that have restrictions or bans on the use of animals in circuses.

To help secure this important legislative victory in Colorado, PETA provided details of the state’s traveling animal exhibitors to the Colorado Voters for Animals, a strong local force behind the bill’s success. We also asked our supporters in Colorado to reach out to their legislators in support of its adoption, and our years of protests, warnings, and law enforcement efforts have paved the way for this momentous day for animals used for entertainment.

The following towns, cities, states and countries are just a few of the locations that have restrictions or bans on the use of certain wildlife in circuses or traveling shows.

These cities and counties in the United States have bans or restrictions on visiting animal circuses and the movement of wildlife:

• Amherst, Cambridge, Topsfield and Wilmington, Massachusetts
• Asheville, North Carolina
• Boise, Idaho
• Cincinnati
• Dane County, Wisconsin (Elephant stock at Alliant Energy Center in Madison is prohibited).
• Ferndale, Michigan
• Gaithersburg, Maryland
• Los Angeles (The use of wild animals at house parties is prohibited.)
• Missoula, Montana
• Montgomery, Maryland
• Multnomah, Oregon (including Portland).
• New York
• Portland, Maine
• Salt Lake County, Utah (Mayor issued executive order banning wildlife and exotic animal shows at County facilities, de facto banning wildlife circuses).
• San Francisco
• Santa Fe, New Mexico
• Westchester, New York
• West Hollywood, California

These US states have bans on animal performances in circuses:

• California – Prohibits the use of all animals in circuses except pet dogs, cats, and horses.
• Hawaii: No entry of wild or exotic animals for circuses.
• Illinois – Bans the use of elephants on travel.
• New Jersey – With the passage of the Nosy Act, it became the first state to ban wild or exotic animals.
• New York. The use of elephants on travel is prohibited.

These countries have restrictions or bans on the placement of animals in circuses and traveling shows:

Combat speciation: stay away from animals, attractions, or meetings at circuses and traveling shows

Animals do not want to participate in circus and traveling shows. Deprived of any opportunity to lead a natural lifestyle vital to their mental and physical well-being, they are forced to perform intricate and often painful stunts under threat of punishment. If there are dangerous encounters between humans and wildlife at the event, do not buy a ticket. Support performances and venues that rely solely on talent human performers, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.

Want to do more for the animals?

Take action for elephants used for riding