Testimony before the New York City Council Health Committee on Legislation to Prohibit the Display of Wild or Exotic Animals for Public Entertainment or Amusement

SUMMARY

The Animal Law Committee provided testimony before the Committee on Health in support of New York City Council bill Int. No. 1233-2016, which would prohibit performances by wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement in New York City. Under the proposed legislation, “performance” means any exhibition, public showing, presentation, display, exposition, fair, act, circus, ride, trade show, petting zoo, carnival, parade, race, performance, or similar undertaking in which animals are required to perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments for the entertainment, amusement, or benefit of a live audience. The bill would exempt educational and research institutions such as wildlife sanctuaries, accredited zoos and aquariums from the prohibition. The Committee is a long-standing supporter of similar legislation, and supported two similar animal entertainment bans in New York City in 2009 and 2010, as well as State and Federal bills restricting the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling circuses.

HEARING INFORMATION

Committee on Health – Oct. 20, 2016 (hearing details & video)

BILL INFORMATION

Int. No. 1233-2016 – prohibiting the display of wild or exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement.

OUTCOME

Signed by the Mayor, 2017/118 – July 22, 2017