DuPage County issued the following announcement on Feb. 19.
The DuPage County Animal Services Committee unanimously voted to support Senate Bill 2546 which builds on previous legislation banning the use of elephants in traveling shows. SB 2546 makes it a Class A misdemeanor to use animals including bears, cougars, jaguars, leopards, other than a clouded leopards, lions, non-human primates, and tigers in traveling acts.
In 2017, Illinois became the first state to ban the use of elephants in traveling shows. SB 2546 would align Illinois with other states to expand the definition of “animal” by adding most big cats, bears, and primates to the list of prohibited species. This bill does not impact the film industry or non-mobile, permanent institutions. Further, local economies are not expected to be adversely affected since families can make decisions to spend entertainment dollars on other activities.
A ban on these types of wild animal acts will address public safety concerns and deter inhumane treatment and transportation of wild animals. Hundreds of people have been injured by wild animals used in traveling shows over the last two decades.
“It’s exciting to see this bill come forward, and I applaud Sen. Linda Holmes for sponsoring SB 2546,” said DuPage County Animal Services Committee member Dawn DeSart. “Abusive training, constant confinement, and public safety are just a few of the reasons the DuPage County Animal Services Committee voted unanimously to support this legislation to stop those inhumane practices.”
Original source can be found here.
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