Relates to prohibitions on circus performances; prohibits circuses from conducting shows or other performances in the state for two years where a circus has been found to be in violation or in non-compliance with the Animal Welfare Act of 1966.
NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A506
SPONSOR: Rosenthal L TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the general business law, in relation to the prohibi-
tions on circus performances
PURPOSE:
This bill ensures that only Animal Welfare Act-compliant circuses are
conducting business in New York State.
SUMMARY OF SPECIFIC PROVISIONS:
Section one amends the general business law by adding a new section
392-k.
Section two sets forth the effective date.
JUSTIFICATION:
The inspection unit of the United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) conducts periodic visits and inspections of both traveling and
stationary circuses and other exhibitions where animals serve as enter-
tainment. If the circus is not complying with the Animal Welfare Act,
USDA will deem it in violation or non-compliant and possibly issue fines
and conduct follow-up visits.
Circuses have been cited for beating and whipping animals, tying their
limbs together to facilitate training, shocking them to ensure compli-
ance, not providing adequate food, water and shelter and for many other
reasons, yet these circuses are allowed to continue such treatment and
perform night after night.
Under this bill, circuses will be compelled to comply with the basic
levels of care and protection chat the Animal Welfare Act demands, or
not conducts shows in this state for a period of two years.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
2021-22:A.2097 - Referred to Economic Development
2019-20: A.830 - Referred to Economic Development
2017-18: A.3517 - Referred to Economic Development
2015-16: A.637-A - Referred to Economic Development; S.1246 - Committed
to Rules
2013-14: A.6368-A - Referred to Economic Development S.7336 - Referred
to Consumer Protection
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
Undetermined.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
This bill shall take effect on the thirtieth day after it shall have
become a law.
