Trainers stands among lions and tigers on ring in circus
October 12, 2019
AB 1260 & SB 313
Signed into Law!
GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS CIRCUS CRUELTY PREVENTION ACT

Statewide ban on animals in circuses answers public demand

SB 313 IS THE THIRD SCIL-SPONSORED BILL TO BE SIGNED INTO LAW THIS YEAR.

October 12, 2019 – Sacramento – Governor Newsom signed Senate Bill 313 (Senator Bill Hueso, D-San Diego) into law today, meaning species such as elephants, monkeys, bears and tigers will no longer be forced to perform in circuses. Co-sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation and PETA, the law prohibits the use of animals as performers in all California circuses.

“This is a historic day for California as we join the growing number of states and localities stepping up to implement similar bans,” says Senator Hueso. “I’m very proud of the work we’ve accomplished to close the curtain on circuses in our state that exploit these beautiful creatures.”

Circuses travel nearly year-round, in all weather extremes, with animals confined in cramped, sometimes filthy trailers and trucks and often lacking necessities like water, food and veterinary care. If they do not perform properly and do unnatural tricks, they are often beaten.

“Elephants and bears don’t ride bikes or jump through hoops because they want to – they’re afraid of what happens in they don’t,” says Social Compassion in Legislation founder and CEO Judie Mancuso. “We are cheering Governor Newsom and compassionate lawmakers for slamming the door on abusive circus shows and showing what a kinder future looks like.”

Circus trainers often force animals to perform by using muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks and other weapons that cause extreme pain. California now joins Hawaii and New Jersey that have animal circus bans.

“Camels will no longer be beaten, tigers will no longer be whipped and lions will no longer be caged and dragged across California for tawdry, cruel circus shows,” says PETA foundation Deputy Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews. “PETA is proud to have joined Social Compassion in Legislation to sponsor Senator Hueso’s lifesaving bill – and looks to all other states to follow California’s compassionate lead.”
The common hippopotamus_ Hippopotamus amphibius_ or hippo_ is a large_ mostly herbivorous_ semiaquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa
GOVERNOR NEWSOM SIGNS AB 1260
LAW TO BAN CERTAIN EXOTIC ANIMAL SKINS

By eliminating sales of several exotic, vulnerable animals, California burnishes status as leader in environmental preservation and animal welfare
 
October 12, 2019 – SACRAMENTO – Hippos, caimans and several species of lizards, including iguanas, were pardoned today by Governor Newsom when he signed legislation to outlaw the sale of certain exotic animal skins. The skins of these species are used in the exotic trades for fashion items such as wallets, belts, shoes and boots.

“These animals suffer greatly for the sake of fashion – even though alternatives exist,” says Social Compassion in Legislation founder and CEO, Judie Mancuso. “By signing this bill into law, Governor Newsom understands our fight to create compassionate legislation that protects animals, saves lives and battles the depletion of wild animals around the world. By eliminating a market for unnecessary and destructive animal products, California is showing there should be no market for skinning rare animals.”

Authored by Assemblymember Brian Maienschein (D-San Diego) and sponsored by Social Compassion in Legislation (SCIL), Assembly Bill 1260, which becomes law Jan. 1, 2022, adds hippos and many reptiles to a list of other endangered or threatened species, including big cats, polar bears and dolphins.

“Thousands of exotic animals are treated inhumanely and killed for their skins each year in the name of fashion,” said Assemblymember Maienschein. “I applaud Governor Newsom for approving this important step towards reducing the unnecessary pain and suffering of animals by banning the importation for sale of these exotic skins within California.”

Many of these animals are skinned alive, sometimes taking hours to die because of slow metabolisms. Several large retailers have already led the charge to use only cruelty-free products and ban these skins, including Chanel, Ann Taylor, H&M, Adidas and Victoria’s Secret.

“Having been appalled by the sale of alligators, crocodiles, and every manner of exotic animal hides in a high-end leather shop, I felt compelled to personally do something about this for all of these animals who have no voices and are killed for their skins,” said Dr. Gary Michelson, who came to SCIL to help drive this initiative. “I am indebted to Social Compassion in Legislation, Judie Mancuso, Assemblymember Brian Maienschein, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon, the entire California legislature, and Governor Newsom, who have now placed California at the forefront of the country and the world for protecting animals.”
Thank you for your support. Please help us to continue our journey saving animals through legislation. We exist by donations alone, please donate today!

Deepest appreciation,
Judie Mancuso, Founder/CEO/President
Social Compassion In Legislation
Social Compassion in Legislation
info@socialcompassioninlegislation.org
www.socialcompassioninlegislation.org