U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) today reintroduced the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act. The bipartisan, bicameral legislation, led by Congressmen Raúl Grijalva (D-Ariz.-03) and David Schweikert (R-Ariz.-06) in the U.S. House of Representatives, would prohibit the use of exotic or wild animals in public performances such as circuses, carnivals and parades across the U.S.
Wild animals used in public performances are typically subjected to small cages, physical abuse, and poor nutrition and hygiene, which can often lead to disease, infection, mental distress and depression.
“Abusing animals for the sake of so-called entertainment has no place in 21st century America. It is well-past time that Congress update our federal laws and the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act is our opportunity to do just that,” said Sen. Menendez. “I’m proud that New Jersey has led the nation on this issue but it’s time we pass federal legislation that ensures a nationwide ban on inhumane and barbaric animal acts.”
“As one of the original cosponsors of Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act, I’m proud to support this bipartisan, bicameral bill,” said Rep. Grijalva. “At its core, this legislation is simple. It’s about ending the inhumane practice of using exotic or wild creatures for entertainment in traveling circuses and other traveling acts. Traveling animal acts deprive exotic and wild animals of their basic dignity and create a safety hazard for the public. There’s nothing entertaining about seeing animals suffer and the vast majority of Americans agree. It’s past time we updated our antiquated animal welfare laws and prohibited traveling circuses from using exotic and wild animals for human entertainment.”
The Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act is supported by Animal Defenders International (ADI) and the Humane Society of the United States.
“Wild and exotic animals are intelligent, emotional, sentient beings. We can see how animals used in traveling acts are mentally shut down because there is nothing for them to do but lie or stand in place. This is a large part of the psychological and behavioral damage which can be seen in these animals,” said ADI President, Jan Creamer. “It is past time that the U.S. took action and put an end to the suffering. Join ADI in supporting TEAPSPA, to ban the use of wild and exotic animals in circuses and other traveling acts!”
“The physiological and psychological suffering of wild animals in traveling shows is real and systemic throughout the industry. Existing laws are insufficient, partly because shows go nearly unchecked as they dash from one jurisdiction to another,” said Sara Amundson, president of Humane Society Legislative Fund. “It’s high time for Congress to set a national standard by passing the Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act. We applaud Senator Menendez and Representatives Grijalva and Schweikert for their continued leadership on this issue.”
In 2019, New Jersey became the first state in the country to prohibit wild animals in traveling performances. The state bill had overwhelming bipartisan support in the state legislature. There are currently 109 partial or full bans on performing animals in jurisdictions of 34 states. The Traveling Exotic Animal and Public Safety Protection Act would not apply to the use of animals in zoos or aquariums; research facilities; and certain films, television programs, or advertising.
Wow, Bobs got such important things to take care of, like exotic animals! Maybe first worry about your constituents who are people.
Morons! This is what is on your mind? The country is falling apart in every way because of your stupid democratic leadership and all you can think about is animal’s in ciruses? Total failures.
Maybe he should propose to open institutions to take care of their mental health needs, that way the show can go on.
What a useless (moderated)
Go work on our unemployment rate and taxes.
Instead this waste of space is focused on this trash.
Being a Democrat means you have a severe mental illness.
This Democrats are insane !!! They are causing us to suffer !!! Stop Voting for Democrats!!! They are gonna make our life worse!!!!
They’re correct, though. It’s not humane to treat animals that way. I applaud Menendez and co. Thank you for your service.
Yup. It looks like Democrats are for the protection and comfort of Exotic Animals, Wild Animals and Human Animals.
But they are doing the right thing; Just like we are obligated for the protection, Comfort and to Donate to Orphans, Widows and Geirim; They are also protecting and comforting the helpless in their way.
Hey Bob, how about doing something about the illegals coming across the southern border……..Oh that’s right you are hoping they will future Democratic voters.
While I am at it, why are the illegals coming across not checked for COVID and not mandated to get vaccinated.
We have a chance to stop the madness vote Republican in 22
Many of us have witnessed or heard about the congressional circus performances that occur regularly on Capital Hill, where some members of congress engage in phony political grandstanding, while attacking other members of congress and Presidents like wild animals, while also making false accusations, and phony incriminations. Perhaps these assailants do not suffer mental stress from their own performances, but they DO cause extreme distress and agony to those individuals who they are attacking and to many Americans who hear and read about these performances. Should we ban these congressional, animalistic circus performances? Should we ban these congressional circus performers from traveling across the country and making phony speeches that causes many Americans extreme agony? I’m comparing apples to oranges, you ask? Well, apples and oranges are both fruit, aren’t they?
But he is all for executing the unborn until birth.
Typical socialist Democrat. The country’s falling apart and you’re worried about something stupid. You know something, you are an embarrassment to the state you represent. It’s probably best that you concern yourself with stupidity because apparently you can’t handle big boy stuff.
Not sure when your term is up but I certainly hope it’s soon!
Thank You Dan Circusman!
Very cogent and truthful comment plus perfect spelling and grammar.
Remember this in November.
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