New York, NY – Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal (D/WF-Manhattan) today celebrated the decision by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to phase out the use of elephant acts by 2018.

“I am beyond pleased that Ringling Bros. took this momentous step at all, though I would prefer that Ringling Bros. act immediately to end the elephants' suffering,” said Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. “Now, we must focus on making the circus a 100% cruelty-free environment by ending the use of all animal acts.”

Citing numerous violations of federal law governing the treatment of animals, as well as the sheer cruelty inherent in forcing animals to perform in the circus, animal advocates from across the globe have been calling for an end to the cruel practice. The advocates pointed to a growing list of serious violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including improper handling of dangerous animals, failure to provide veterinary care both to healthy and gravely sick or injured animals, trauma caused by circus personnel or practices, including emotional stress, physical harm and unnecessary discomfort, as well as unsanitary feeding and housing, among others.

“Today’s announcement by Ringling Bros. would not have occurred without the dogged perseverance of animal advocates from every walk of life, and demonstrates the growing influence that these advocates will continue to wield both socially and politically,” said Rosenthal. “The time when animal issues were considered silly or unserious has passed, and people have finally recognized that these are important issues that both state and federal bodies have a responsibility to address. This sea change in attitudes regarding the treatment of animals has been long-awaited; we must use this momentum to continue winning victories for the animals.”

Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal represents the 67th Assembly district, which includes the Upper West Side and parts of the Clinton/ Hell’s Kitchen in Manhattan. She has passed dozens of laws to protect animals in New York State, including a law to extend orders of protection to companion animals, to crack down on puppy mills and to protect bears from illegal poaching for their organs.