Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed a bill prohibiting the use of exotic animals in circuses and traveling shows.<\/p>\n
Sponsored by Del. Sara Love and Sen. Sarah Elfreth, the bill imposes a $2,000 civil penalty on violators.<\/p>\n
The banned species include big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, and elephants.<\/p>\n
With this action, Maryland joins the ranks of ten other states in restricting the use of wild animals in entertainment venues.<\/p>\n
Advocates for animal welfare have welcomed the bill\u2019s signing, condemning the exploitation of animals for human entertainment.<\/p>\n
Jennifer Bevan-Dangel, the Maryland state director for the Humane Society of the United States, expressed her approval, stating that the bill marks the end of an era of torment for wild animals.<\/p>\n
\u201cTormenting big cats, bears, monkeys, and elephants under the guise of entertainment is a relic of a shameful past,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n