Wild Animals are Not Performers (Intro 389 by Council Member Rosie Mendez)
The elephants, tigers and other wild animals commonly used in circuses perform not out of love for show business but because they are beaten into submission. Trainers use bullhooks, whips, electrical shock, and other devices to turn wild animals into unwilling daredevils and performers in the Cruelest Show on Earth.
During the winter off season, animals such as bears and elephants are crammed into cages, stalls, and even trucks. Elephants- who walk up to 30 miles a day in nature- spend 90 percent of their day chained and confined in small areas.
This legislation would prohibit the use of wild animals- such as elephants, sea mammals, non-human primates, lions, tigers, and many other species of exotic animals- in circuses and other performances. It currently awaits a hearing in the City Council Health Committee chaired by Council Member Joel Rivera (D-Bronx).
YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE RIGHT NOW:
- Write or call your Council Member and urge her/him to co-sponsor Intro 389. To find out the name of your Council Member, call the League of Humane Voters of NYC at 212-889-0303, or visit this website for a direct link to your council member http://www.council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml
- Call NYC Council Speaker Christine Quinn at 212-788-5615 and ask her to support this bill. To date, she has refused to support this important piece of legislation.
- Call Council Member Joel Rivera, Chairman of the Health Committee at 212-842-8100, and ask him to support INTRO 389.
