Boston - Governor Maura Healey signed An Act regulating the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, becoming the sixth state in the nation to pass similar legislation. This legislation bans the use of elephants, lions, giraffes and other animals in traveling acts like circuses.  

“For years, circuses have harmed the welfare of animals for the sake of entertainment, allowing animals to suffer in poor living conditions and stressful environments,” said Governor Healey. “I’m thankful to the Legislature for taking the steps needed to prevent this kind of animal mistreatment in Massachusetts.” 

“Here in Massachusetts, we believe in protecting those who can’t protect themselves, and that extends to animals,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This law protects animals from inhumane mistreatment and ensures that Massachusetts has safer and more humane animal welfare.” 

In recent years, major exhibits and shows have trended away from including these kinds of animals. Known for incredibly harmful conditions, circuses and traveling shows routinely harm the animals they’re showcasing. This is why the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey no longer exhibit live animals, the Topsfield Fair stopped displaying elephants after a municipal ban in 2019, and King Richard’s Faire ended its exotic cat show in 2020.  

Effective January 1, 2025, this bill prohibits traveling acts, like circuses, carnivals and fairs, from using certain animals, including lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, and primates, for entertainment. Exceptions to the law include animals that live at the zoo; the use of animals in filming movies; and non-exotic animals like horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits can continue to be exhibited. 

Authority has been given to the Division of Fisheries and Wildlife to adopt rules implementing the prohibition, and the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and state and local law enforcement officers are authorized to enforce the prohibition, which carries civil penalties of $500 to $10,000 per animal. 

“Some of the most majestic creatures on our planet should not be treated inhumanely simply for profit or entertainment,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Today with the Governor’s signature, we codify that important principle into law, and make sure that when we see these creatures, we do so in places that reflect their natural environments. I thank the Governor for her signature, Minority Leader Tarr for his leadership, my colleagues in the Senate, and our partners in the House for their work to get this done.” 

“While circuses can be a source of entertainment and joy for our residents, we must prevent animals from being abused or otherwise mistreated whenever we can. That’s why these reforms are so important,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Chair Fiola and my colleagues in the House, along with our partners in the Senate, for guiding this bill through the legislative process. Finally, I’m grateful to Governor Healey for signing this important legislation into law.” 

“The passage of this bill continues our state's leadership on animal welfare issues, and will protect these elephants, big cats, giraffes and others from the hardships and adversity involved in traveling from place to place for shows. Importantly, the bill preserves the opportunity for meaningful human interaction at facilities designed for that purpose on a permanent basis,” said Senate Minority Leader Senator Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).  “Thanks to the many stakeholders and legislators who have collaborated on the long legislative journey this bill has traveled to become law.” 

“Massachusetts has long been a leader in promoting animal welfare by enacting laws to protect animals from abuse and neglect, but most of our current laws apply to domestic animals and common household pets.” House Minority Leader Representative Bradley H. Jones, Jr. (R-North Reading). “This new law will extend these same protections to exotic animals that are used in traveling exhibits and shows. These animals are often subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including prolonged periods of confinement and other forms of neglect and abuse, all to provide entertainment. While several communities in the Commonwealth have already implemented local bans, a statewide ban on traveling animal acts is long overdue.” 

“Having witnessed the overwhelming evidence and strong public sentiment against the use of wild animals in traveling acts, I am proud to see this crucial legislation enacted," said Representative Carole A. Fiola (D-Bristol). "As a sponsor of this bill, it has been a profound responsibility and privilege to champion significant change. With over two-thirds of Massachusetts voters supporting the ban on wild animal acts, it's clear that our constituents demanded an end to animal exploitation for entertainment. This legislation not only reflects that collective desire but also reinforces our state's commitment to the humane treatment of all animals." 

Statements of Support

Preyel Patel, Massachusetts State Director for the Humane Society of the United States:
“The Humane Society of the United States is grateful to Governor Healey for signing this bill into law and putting an end to the use of big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, giraffes and elephants in cruel traveling shows in Massachusetts. After over two decades of dedicated advocacy, this crucial law will protect countless wild animals from abusive exploitation and harm. We are proud to have worked alongside numerous organizations, dedicated advocates, and compassionate, committed legislators throughout this long journey to do the right thing for animals.”  

Liz Magner, Animal Advocacy Specialist:
“The MSPCA is thrilled that Governor Healey signed into law today An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, informally known as the Circus Bill, legislation sponsored by Representatives Bradley Jones and Carole Fiola and Senators Bruce Tarr and Adam Gomez. This victory is two decades in the making and is the result of tireless advocacy by Massachusetts legislators, animal protection organizations, and local advocates—all of whom never gave up. Now, our state will no longer be a participant in the dangerous and inhumane traveling exotic animal acts industry. We’d like to dedicate this achievement to Beulah, an Asian elephant who was taken from her family at a young age and who would spend a lifetime in captivity until her death at a Massachusetts fair in 2019. Thank you again to all of those who helped make this law possible.” 

Melanie Lary, Research and Campaigns Manager for FOUR PAWS in the U.S.:
"After so many years of non-stop dedication and perseverance by Massachusetts animal lovers, animal welfare organizations like ours, and caring state legislators, FOUR PAWS USA is thrilled to witness the end of the exploitation of these captive wild animals for entertainment in MA! This important legal step shows that animals’ and their well being matter – their lives and how we treat them and coexist with them matters. 

Allison Blanck, Director of Advocacy, Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL):
“With the signing into law of this prohibition on traveling animal acts, Massachusetts reaffirms its commitment to prevent cruelty to all animals in its borders.”   

Stephanie Harris, Senior Legislative Manager for the Animal Legal Defense Fund:
“We are grateful to the Governor and Massachusetts Legislature for this major gain for animals. The Commonwealth will no longer play a role in holding wild animal captive for the purpose of traveling shows – forced to spend most of their days in cramped, barren cages, and deprived of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors.” 

Leslie Luppino, President, Berkshire Voters for Animals:
“Berkshire Voters for Animals is thrilled that H.4915, An Act relative to the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, has finally passed the Massachusetts legislature and has been signed by Governor Healey. We want to thank our Berkshire legislators for their support of this bill.”