New Massachusetts law bans use of animals in traveling shows

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WGGB/WSHM) - A newly signed law banning the use of animals like big cats, bears and elephants in traveling exhibits and shows in the bay state is attracting attention.

Advocate Sheryl Becker told Western Mass News a big push for this legislation in recent years was tied to the death of an elephant named Beulah during the 2019 Big E and while they celebrate this victory, she told us there’s still more work to be done to protect animals in the bay state.

“It a major victory for animal lovers, and animal advocates and a lot of people who aren’t even animal advocates are just thrilled about this its a huge success and long overdue,” expressed Sheryl Becker.

Animal advocates across the bay state are celebrating Governor Maura Healey’s signing of a bill protecting the welfare of animals.

Thanks to an act regulating the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes, and bears in traveling exhibits and shows, banning animals in traveling performances like circuses. Exceptions include animals living at a zoo and use of animals in movies, non-exotic animals like pigs and horse can still be exhibited.

The MSPCA celebrating the circus bill passing with statement reading in part:

“...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 also spoke with Sheryl Becker with Western Massachusetts Animal rights Advocates, Every year, she and her organization bring attention to the use of animals at the Big E holding signs outside the fairgrounds gates.

Becker told Western Mass News the bill was around for decades, but the death of an elephant in 2019 during the fair gave it an extra push.

“Beulah’s death was just tragic and needless,” said Becker.

But they’re not done yet she says there is still work to be done to protect other animals in the commonwealth.

“We’re really pushing for the Puppy Mill bill next session,” noted Becker.

That would ban the retail sale of dogs and cats in the state.

Massachusetts is the sixth state to pass legislation similar to this, it goes into effect January 1, 2025.

Western Mass News also reached out to the Big E, which expressed their disappointment in the legislation passing. It reads in part:

“The Eastern States Exposition affords large numbers of people the opportunity to see and interact with innumerable types of animals, from production livestock to endangered species. They help people to understand how to care for these animals, and in the case of the general public, they introduce untold thousands of people, young and old, to the joyous experience of seeing, touching and smelling these tremendous creations. This opportunity is indeed rare and should be preserved.”