A bill has been introduced in the California state senate to ban wild and exotic animal performances in circuses. It is called the Circus Cruelty Prevention Act, and it would make it illegal to use wild and exotic animals in traveling acts within the state. Right now in the U.S. only four states including Illinois, New Jersey, Hawaii, and New York have bans on the use of exotic animals in the circus.

So why is this such a big deal?

Animals forced to perform in a circus are deprived of physical and social needs, confined in small spaces, spending excessive time shut in trailers and train cars. These animals often demonstrate heartbreaking abnormal behaviors such as rocking, swaying, and pacing - indicating they are in distress and not coping with their abusive environment. Evidence from numerous animal-rights groups shows these animals are forced to perform tricks through physical violence, fear, and intimidation.

That is NOT OK! And we need to keep fighting for these animals and their freedom from the circus life! Please join me in signing this petition asking California Governor Gavin Newsom to stop circus suffering!