Bill to Protect Exotic Animals Passes Committee

SB 20-125 helps ensure humane treatment and animal welfare

Denver, CO – Yesterday the Senate Agriculture committee moved legislation forward to prohibit the use of exotic animals in traveling performances. Boulder outlawed such exotic animal performances in 2001, and Colorado intends to follow the lead of a handful of other states in banning these unnatural and unhealthy performances. "The law would not prohibit circuses. Everybody loves a good circus and they would still be able to come to Colorado," said Sen. Rachel Zenzinger. "But elephants, lions, tigers and other circus animals are wild animals that perform simply out of fear, fear of being punished."

Circus animals spend most of their lives — sometimes up to 90% — in cages. They are often transported in small quarters and subjected to extreme heat, cold, vehicle exhaust and noise. These animals are frequently unable to exercise or perform normal acts for their species, rarely receiving adequate veterinary care. "Using exotic animals as commodities for traveling performances adds nothing to the understanding and conservation of such animals and their natural environment," said Sen. Joann Ginal. " This bill ensures humane treatment and welfare for these animals. The show can still go on — just not with these animal performances."

SB-125 does not apply to rodeos, stock shows, accredited zoos and aquariums or sanctuaries. The bill also does not include domesticated animals or livestock like horses, goats and sheep, as well as animals defined as wild — like deer, elk, or bison, and animals that are transported for medical and research purposes. The bill now heads to the committee of the whole.

Learn more here: http://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb20-125