Policy

Wild animals in circuses under state scrutiny

Massachusetts is the latest state to ban the use of wild animals in circuses and other traveling shows.
Asian elephants perform for the final time in the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, May 1, 2016, in Providence, R.I. (AP Photo/Bill Sikes, File)

Massachusetts this month became the latest state to ban the use of wild animals in circuses and other traveling shows, putting an official end to a practice that has come under fire in states across the nation.

Gov. Maura Healey (D) signed a bill that prohibits circuses, carnivals and fairs from using lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, primates and other animals for entertainment. Exceptions include animals that live at the zoo, using animals in filming movies, and animals such as horses, chickens, pigs and rabbits.

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