New York: Suffering Animals in Traveling Acts Need the New York State Legislature to Act!

Update (May 8, 2026): This bill has now successfully been passed by both the NY State Senate and Assembly. The bill is headed to the governor’s desk. If you have a minute, please consider speaking up on behalf of Viola, and other elephants, who still have to perform in other states with Carson & Barnes Circus.

New York residents have the chance to support powerful legislation that would ban the use of certain animals in traveling shows across the state. While New York state already prohibits the use of elephants in traveling acts, a bill introduced in both the New York Senate and New York Assembly would also prohibit the use of wild cats, bears, primates, kangaroos, and wallabies.

Monkeys, tigers, bears, and other wild animals used in traveling acts are hauled across the country in cramped transport crates. They’re often trained to perform confusing, unnatural tricks through pain, punishment, and deprivation. These acts are cruelty—not entertainment.