Legislators look at banning wild animals in traveling shows

Massachusetts legislators and animal activists are working to ban traveling shows from using elephants, primates, big cats and bears for entertainment purposes.

The Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development heard testimony related to the bill Tuesday.

Activists say there is evidence that these traveling acts inflict suffering on the animals and put public health at risk.

Kevin Schneider, executive director of the Nonhuman Rights Project, says people are tired of watching animals “being treated like trash and dying in front of them.”

Masslive.com reports that activists pointed to the death of a 54-year-old Asian elephant named Beulah in September at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield.

The president of the Exposition says activists are mischaracterizing how these animals are treated.