HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM) – A Pennsylvania senator is calling for a ban on the use of all animals in traveling circuses.
Senator Daylin Leach (D-Montgomery/Delaware) announced his proposed legislation days after Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus said it will phase out the use of elephants in its shows by 2018.
Leach said his bill would ban for-profit displays of any animal that traveled in a mobile housing facility in the 15 days before an exhibition.
In a letter to Senate colleagues, Leach said the circumstances of travel and performance make it impossible for the animals to have the environment and facilities they require for a healthy life.
He said the measure would provide exemptions for zoos, educational outreach programs, and research activities.
