Animal rights activists across the country rejoice as New Jersey has just become the first state to ban the use of exotic animals in circuses.
The new legislation, nicknamed “Nosey’s Law”, was signed into effect on December 14th by Governor Phil Murphy, and covers all traveling animal acts including carnivals, circuses, parades, and petting zoos.
In a statement following the signing of the bill, Governor Murphy elaborated on the new law:
“I am proud to sign ‘Nosey’s Law’ and ensure that New Jersey will not allow wild and exotic animals to be exploited and cruelly treated within our state,” said Governor Murphy.
Nosey was a 36-year-old elephant that used to be a part of a traveling circus until it was discovered by animal rights organizations that abuse was taking place.
For years, the poor elephant lived in chains and was forced to give rides to people for money. In 2017, however, the owner was arrested under animal cruelty charges. Nosey was subsequently transported to an Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee to live out the rest of her life in peace.
Overall, the bill had broad bi-partisan support, and many other lawmakers were just as excited about it.
“These beautiful creatures suffer from routine abuse and mistreatment by their handlers for the sake of entertainment,” said Senator Nilsa Cruz-Perez.
“This by no means justifies the emotional and physical abuse animals like Nosey are forced to endure. Nosey is now safe in an animal sanctuary, but the law protects other animals from being abused like she was. Today, New Jersey is taking a stand for animal rights and I hope that other states will follow our example so that this sort of abuse can be eliminated everywhere in the country.”
Basically, the idea is to help keep exotic animals from being exploited for profit.
The legislation covers a wide gamut of threatened and endangered species that are common in circuses including elephants, tigers, bears, lions, and primates, as well as many others.
For years, animal rights groups like PETA have been very vocal about the abuse that goes on in the circus industry and the need for regulation.
“This is a huge day for the elephants, tigers and other wild animals who are whipped and beaten in circuses and spend their lives caged and chained,” said Rachel Mathews, deputy director of captive animal law enforcement at the PETA Foundation.
“PETA is so thankful for the bill’s sponsors for ensuring this abuse will never again happen in New Jersey.”
The hope is now that one state has taken action, others will be inspired to as well.
It seems like that may very well be a real possibility. Four US states, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, New York, and Hawaii are already considering following suit.
Although the law is a major win for animals everywhere, we still have a long path ahead of us if we ever want to completely eliminate abuse.
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Today, I am proud to sign a law that will ensure that New Jersey will not allow wild and exotic animals to be exploited and cruelly treated within our state.
Nosey’s Law is named in honor of Nosey, an exploited circus elephant who has since been rescued.https://t.co/RfQFGmByBi pic.twitter.com/pMqr0RjvCl
— Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) December 14, 2018
