New Massachusetts law bans use of animals in traveling shows

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) — A recently signed law banning the use of animals such as big cats, bears and elephants in traveling exhibits and shows in the Bay State is drawing attention.

Advocate Sheryl Becker told Western Mass News that a big push for this legislation in recent years was tied to the death of an elephant named Beulah during the 2019 Big E, and while they celebrate this victory, she told us there is still more work to be done to protect animals in the Bay State.

“It’s a huge win for animal lovers, for animal advocates, and for a lot of people who aren’t even animal advocates, who are very excited about this; it’s a huge success and it’s been long overdue,” said Sheryl Becker.

Animal advocates across the Bay State are celebrating Gov. Maura Healey’s signing of a bill protecting animal welfare.

Thanks to a law regulating the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in travelling shows and exhibitions, animals are banned from travelling shows such as circuses. Exceptions include animals living in zoos and the use of animals in films, but non-exotic animals such as pigs and horses can still be displayed.

The MSPCA welcomes the passage of the circus bill with a statement that reads in part:

“…This victory has been two decades in the making and is the result of tireless advocacy by Massachusetts legislators, animal protection organizations, and local advocates who never gave up. Now, our state will no longer participate in the dangerous and inhumane exotic animal touring industry.”

We also spoke to Sheryl Becker of Western Massachusetts Animal Rights Advocates. Each year, she and her organization draw attention to the use of animals at the Big E by holding signs outside the fairgrounds gates.

Becker told Western Mass News the bill had been around for decades, but the death of an elephant in 2019 at the fair gave it additional impetus.

“Beulah’s death was simply tragic and unnecessary,” Becker said.

But they’re not done yet, he says, there’s still work to be done to protect other animals in the state.

“We’re pushing hard to get the puppy mill bill passed in the next session,” Becker said.

That would ban the retail sale of dogs and cats in the state.

Massachusetts is the sixth state to pass similar legislation, which will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

Western Mass News also reached out to Big E, who expressed his disappointment at the passage of the legislation. In part, it reads:

“The Eastern States Exposition offers vast numbers of people the opportunity to see and interact with countless types of animals, from farmed livestock to endangered species. It helps people understand how to care for these animals and, for the general public, introduces thousands of people, young and old, to the joyful experience of seeing, touching and smelling these tremendous creations. This opportunity is truly rare and should be preserved.”

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