Committee clears fix to traveling animal protection law, tightening education exemptions

Sen. Linstead described House Bill 11‑33 as a narrow cleanup to the Traveling Animal Protection Act passed in 2021, aimed at preventing loophole use in which demonstrations with wild animals are labeled as "environmental education" to avoid the act's prohibitions. "What this bill does is it closes that loophole, so that we can protect the intent of keeping animals out of places where they're providing entertainment, and not education," Linstead said.

Supporters included Roland Talbert, executive director of Colorado Voters for Animals, who urged the committee to require that organizations claiming the educational exemption be nationally accredited by organizations that require rigorous welfare standards. Ellen Kessler recounted past incidents involving an elephant and argued the bill would prevent similar exhibitions at Renaissance fairs and other events. Aubin Royal (Humane World for Animals) said the bill aligns enforcement and clarifies which entities may qualify as environmental education programs under the existing statute.

Wendy Padilla from the Department of Natural Resources said HB 11‑33 retains the permitting authority and process with Colorado Parks and Wildlife and is not expected to create a substantial new workload for CPW staff. The bill’s sponsor said the change is targeted and preserves legitimate educational exhibits for accredited institutions such as zoos and conservation centers.

Senator Linstead moved the bill to the Committee of the Whole with a favorable recommendation; the motion passed 3–2 on a roll call vote. Proponents said the amendment improves enforceability without affecting livestock, rodeos, 4‑H activities or other explicitly exempted events.