California lawmakers pass bill banning the use of wild and exotic animals at circuses

The California State Legislature passed a bill Wednesday that would ban the use of wild and exotic animals from circuses.

Senate Bill 313, which specifically bans the use of bears, tigers, elephants, monkeys or other wild animals in circus acts, now heads to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s (D) desk for a potential signature, according to the Los Angeles Times.

{mosads}“Bears, tigers, elephants, and other wild animals exploited in traveling acts don’t ride bicycles, jump through hoops or balance on pedestals because they want to,” state Sen. Ben Hueso (D) told the news outlet in a statement. “They perform these and other difficult tricks because they’re afraid of what will happen if they don’t.”

The bill was approved Wednesday by unanimous vote without debate.

Supporters of the bill said that if the legislation is signed into law, California would become the third state to ban wild animals in circus acts, following Hawaii and New Jersey.

Domesticated dogs, cats and horses would still be allowed to be used in circus acts, the Times noted.