A New York state bill would permanently end traveling animal acts.
The legislation would end the use of bears, large cats, nonhuman primates and other wild animals in traveling acts. Several parts of the state, like New York City and Westchester and Suffolk counties, already have bans on such acts.
Brian Shapiro, New York State director for the advocacy group Humane World for Animals, said while opponents of the bill argued the displays promote conservation, it is an antiquated notion.
“Decades ago, we did not have the knowledge and the understanding of the complex nature of these animals; understanding their inherent value in the world by them just existing and supporting real conservation,” Shapiro stressed.
A 2026 poll about the bill showed most New Yorkers view the acts as entertainment, not education. The state Legislature approved the bill with bipartisan support, though it has been considered in every legislative session since 2017. Shapiro noted it is due to laws taking a long time to pass in New York, not a lack of support. The bill now awaits either a signature or veto from Gov. Kathy Hochul.
New York has seen several incidents where traveling animals either escaped and caused major accidents, harmed people, or killed their owners or handlers on stage. Among the groups and organizations backing the bill, Shapiro pointed out there has been widespread support among law enforcement.
“It’s the police, it’s the first responders who get called to check up on the animals. Your local SPCAs and Humane Societies don’t have the training to look at a tiger and know if there are Animal Welfare Act violations,” Shapiro asserted.
He added the bill would build on current laws. In 2017, New York state passed the Elephant Protection Act, which prohibits elephants in traveling shows and places restrictions on direct public contact with tigers, lions and other big cats.
Edwin is a reporter and producer in North Tonawanda, New York. He’s previously reported for the Niagara Gazette and the Ithaca Times. Edwin got an early start in radio interning for WBFO-88.7FM, NPR’s Buffalo affiliate. In 2018, he graduated from SUNY Buffalo State College with a B.A. in Journalism, and in 2022, graduated from Syracuse University with an M.S. in Communications.
