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Senate committee hears bill to ban certain wild animals in traveling acts; lawmakers hear broad support and opposition
Summary
Senate Bill 5065 would criminalize the use of elephants, bears, nonhuman primates and most large felines in traveling animal acts; the Law & Justice Committee heard extensive public testimony for and against the bill but recorded no final action.
Senate Bill 5065, introduced in the Law & Justice Committee, would create a gross misdemeanor for using certain non-domestic animals in traveling acts such as circuses. Patrick Moore, session staff counsel, told the committee the prohibited animals include elephants, bears, nonhuman primates and felines excluding domestic cats, and said the offense would be punishable by up to 364 days in jail, a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Prime sponsor Senator Marco Liias, state senator from the 21st Legislative District, framed the bill…
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