OLYMPIA—Both chambers of the Washington State legislature passed a bill that would prohibit the use of certain exotic animals, like elephants and tigers, from traveling in performative acts such as circuses.
Engrossed Senate Bill 5065, who’s primary sponsors include Snohomish County Congressional Leaders Sen. Marko Liias and Sen. John Lovick, passed the Senate back in February with a vote of 30 yeas to 19 nays. The bill passed the House of Representatives more recently, on April 9, with a vote of 65 yeas and 32 nays. It now lands on Governor Bob Ferguson’s desk for final authorization.
If enacted, ESB5065 would build upon the state’s 2007 Dangerous Wild Animals Act which already prohibits the private ownership of animals such as bears, elephants, non-human primates, and non-domesticated big cats (such as tigers, lions, and bengals) by prohibiting the transferring of these animals through Washington State for performing purposes.
Penalties for being caught doing so could result in up to 364 days in jail, a $5,000 fine, or both.
In summary the bill’s purpose is to prevent the long-distance transportation of select dangerous wild animals, enhance public safety by reducing the risk of catastrophic animals escapes, uphold high standards of animal care (which is already demonstrated by some Washington cities such as Spokane, Darrington, Snohomish, Port Townsend, Redmond, and Wenatchee), and align Washington State with global efforts (over 50 countries and 11 U.S. States) that have already implemented similar laws.
The bill would not impact accredited animal institutions like zoos and aquariums who have specific credentials to handle these animal species.
The bill’s legislative victory is the work of two-and-a-half years of efforts and advocacy marking a significant milestone for animal welfare in Washington.
Last year the State Legislature passed a slew of animal rights protections including prohibiting octopus farming in Washington, tightening penalties for animal cruelty, prohibiting cosmetics testing on animals, and buffering cold weather shelters for animals.
The bill, in its original form, was introduced by former Washington State Representative Sherry Appleton (D-23) who passed away in 2023. The decision to resurrect the legislation began in February, 2022, with prime sponsorship by Rep. Leavitt and Sen. Liias securing in August of that year.
Over the next few years, the bill has been modified extensively through working with a variety of stakeholders, collaborators, and residents beset on protecting animal rights in the state.
Elephants specifically have been used in performing acts in Washington for over 50 years with many of them being older than most members of the current legislature.
Many circus animals spend their days locked in cramped, restrictive cages, the Animal Legal Defense Fund argued, depriving them of engaging in their natural behaviors. Some performance groups have even been found in numerous violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) over the years.
There have also been several cases of animals escaping, leading to the injury, or even death, of members of the public.
The Jordan World Circus, for example, had one elephant named Viola escape three times, running through traffic, and another elephant, Misty, escape and kill a handler. A tiger also owned by the Circus escaped and bit an audience member.
Leading up to the passage of the bill, Amanda Fox, spokesperson for Animal Rights Initiative – a nonprofit set on preserving biodiversity and ending animal cruelty – passionately testified about the critical need for the bill in Washington citing over 40 documented violations of AWA for each circus operating in Washington, as well as eyewitness accounts of mistreatment.
“As our communities and legislators join forces, we are setting a new standard for ethical treatment and public protection. Ongoing collaboration has paved the way for a safer, more compassionate future for both animals and people alike,” said Fox.
Wendy Linton, Vice Chair of the Animal Rights Initiative Board, also testified with an extensive list of dangerous attacks by circus animals as a direct result of mistreatment and escape.
Fox thanked the hard work of Sen. Liias and Rep. Leavitt in their efforts leading up to the bill’s passage stating:
“[T]heir leadership and vision have been the driving force behind reviving and refining this vital legislation. Animal Rights Initiative would also like to extend a huge thanks to Representative Goodman, Representative Dhingra, and Representative Farivar for their outstanding efforts. Together, we have made a huge difference.”
Those in opposition to the bill believed the legislation would adversely impact organizations that use cat breeds that are considered to be a cross between wild and domesticated species, such as Bengals and Savannahs which are sometimes used in cat shows in the state.
If the bill passes the Governor’s approval, Washington State will be the ninth state in the nation to pass similar legislation following, most recently, Massachusetts signing a similar law into effect earlier this year.
Author: Kienan Briscoe
