Proposed bill would outlaw use of wild animals for entertainment

Nov. 6, 2019 | Danielle Eaton
DanielleE@thereminder.com

GREATER SPRINGFIELD – Just over a month after the death of the beloved elephant Beulah, who was present at the Big E for many years, a bill that would ban the use of certain animals for entertainment purposes has been sent to the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

The death of Beulah, who was owned by the R. W. Commerford Zoo based in Connecticut, was announced on Sept. 18. On Oct. 17 the Humane Society of the United States and other animal rights groups called on Massachusetts legislators to pass a bill that would ban the use of big cats, bears, primates and elephants in traveling exhibits and shows.

The Humane Society cited Beulah’s death as a reason for the bill. They said in the release, “The miserable lives that these elephants have endured are stark reminders of the cruelty that wild animals face when forced into captivity and life on the road for human entertainment.”

The bill would apply to “any performance of animals where such animals are transported to, from or between locations for the purpose of such performance, in a mobile or traveling housing facility.” This would include animals who are transported to fairs, exhibitions, circuses, trade shows, parades, carnivals, petting zoos and other similar events by truck, trailer or railway car.

While the bill would ban a majority of animal acts across the state, not all animal acts would be prohibited under the law. The bill would still allow for animal acts at permanent and fixed locations, such as zoos and aquariums, so long as the performing animal was not transported to the site for the purpose of performing. For example, the New England Aquarium in Boston would be able to continue putting on seal shows because the animals have a permanent home at the facility.

The bill went before the Senate and House on Oct. 22, and was referred to the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development that same day. It was co-sponsored by Sen. Bruce Tarr of the first Essex and Middlesex district, Sen. James Welch of the Hampden County district, Rep. Lori Ehrlich of 8th Essex district and Rep. Bradley Jones of the 7th Middlesex district.

Dozens of senators and representatives across the state are advocating in favor of the bill, including local officials such as Rep. Brian Ashe, Rep. Carlos Gonzalez, Rep. Jose F. Tosado and Rep. John C. Velis.

In a press release sent to Reminder Publishing by the Humane Society of the United States, Welch said people spoke out against the use of elephants in traveling shows due to the connection they feel to the animals.

“People feel a strong connection to elephants because they exhibit characteristics that are so familiar to us: they have deep family bonds, they show love, happiness, grief and empathy, and suffer when they are deprived of what’s natural to them,” he said. “As a result, the public has become increasingly opposed to the use of elephants in traveling shows.”

Tosado told Reminder Publishing he is in support of the bill because “as a pet owner and animal lover I can’t imagine my family dog Nene being mistreated cruelly by anyone.”

He continued, “As a legislator, we have an obligation to correct the wrong. Abusive treatment to animals is simply wrong! Therefore, I stand alongside the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, the Nonhuman Rights Project and my colleagues in government in support of the bill."

Ashe said despite being captivated by the animals, there are other, more humane ways to observe exotic animals. ?He said, “As much as I am amazed at watching exotic animals, the fact is they are being exploited and at times treated in an inhumane way. People have other opportunities to see and learn about these animals in fixed facilities without having to make the animal spend hours a day being transported from state to state and made to work on a regular basis.”

In a statement to WWLP-TV shortly after Beulah’s death Timothy Commerford of Commerford’s Petting Zoo referred to the elephant as a member of the family and said, “She was a very social animal – she loved interacting with people.”

He went on to say Beulah “was most happy when she was here at the Big E with us, greeting people.”

If passed by the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, the ban would take effect beginning Jan. 1, 2020. Those found in violation of the bill would be fined between $500 and $10,000 per animal involved in the violation.

Reminder Publishing reached out the Big E for comment, but at press time had not received a comment or statement.

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