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Traveling animal acts may be marketed as entertainment, but behind the scenes, they rely on confinement, constant transport, and coercive training that deny animals even the most basic aspects of their natural lives. New York now has the opportunity to strengthen protections and ensure these animals are no longer subjected to this outdated and harmful treatment.

A.5850/S.3629-A would prohibit the use of bears, big cats, primates, kangaroos, and wallabies in traveling shows across the state. These companion bills will prevent cruelty and move New York toward more humane, modern forms of entertainment. Contact your New York state legislators today and urge them to support this critical legislation.

Wild animals used in traveling acts endure extreme and chronic stress. They are often kept in cramped enclosures for long periods, transported from place to place with little stability, and forced to perform unnatural behaviors through fear-based training. These conditions can lead to serious physical and psychological harm, preventing animals from engaging in even their most basic natural behaviors.

These acts also pose real risks to public safety. Wild animals are unpredictable, especially under the stress of confinement and performance. There have been numerous incidents involving escapes and attacks that have injured handlers and members of the public, putting entire communities at risk.

By building on existing protections and reflecting the growing shift toward animal-free entertainment, this common-sense legislation would create consistent, statewide standards while closing dangerous oversight gaps. Urge your legislators to support this bill and help bring an end to the use of wild animals in traveling acts in New York.

Letter to Decision Maker(s) for reference:

Decision makers: New York State Senators and Assemblymembers

Subject: Support An End Traveling Wild Animal Acts

I am writing as your constituent to urge you to support the bill to prohibit the use of certain wild animals in traveling shows across New York (A.5850 in the Assembly and S.3629-A in the Senate). 

These shows are not only outdated, but they pose serious risks to both animals and the public. Wild animals used in traveling performances are confined to small cages, transported constantly, and subjected to training methods rooted in fear and punishment. This results in significant physical and psychological harm and prevents them from engaging in natural behaviors.

Just as importantly, these shows present real public safety concerns. There is a documented history of wild animals escaping or attacking handlers and members of the public. Transporting stressed, unpredictable animals from community to community increases the risk of dangerous incidents, while gaps in oversight mean these animals may enter New York with limited monitoring or accountability.

This legislation also builds on New York’s existing leadership. The state has already taken steps to restrict the use of elephants and big cats in entertainment, and more than half of New York residents are already covered by local bans on traveling wild animal acts. Passing A.5850/S.3629-A would create consistent, statewide protections that reflect both public safety needs and evolving public values.

With strong public support and a clear shift toward animal-free entertainment, this bill represents a sensible and necessary step forward.

I respectfully urge you to support A.5850/S.3629-A and help protect both animals and communities across New York. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Sincerely,

Signed

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.