In December 2018, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to ban the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling shows, and less than a week later Hawaii passed a similar groundbreaking rule. In 2019, California banned the use of all animals in circuses, except for dogs, cats, and domesticated horses.

Are circuses getting banned?

Six states already ban or restrict the use of wild animals in traveling exhibitions. In 2018, Hawaii and New Jersey banned the use of most wild animals in both circuses and traveling acts. In 2019, California banned the use of all animals, with the exception of dogs, cats, and domesticated horses, in circuses only.

What states have banned circuses?

Currently, California is the fifth state to have a law placing a ban on exotic animals in circuses. Hawaii, Illinois, New York, and New Jersey are states with this kind of legislation already in place. Legislation SB 313 has had an overwhelming amount of support from local organizations and the people of California.