A Bill to Ban Wild Animals in Circuses (Washington)

​​The Animal Legal Defense Fund ​supports ​this bill.​

Sponsor: Sen. Marko Liias (D-21) 

Cosponsors: Sens. Marcus Riccelli (D-3), Rebecca Saldaña (D-37), John Lovick (D-44), Jessica Bateman (D-22), Noel Frame (D-36), Derek Stanford (D-1), T’wina Nobles (D-28), and Deborah Krishnadasan (D-26)

​Introduction Date:​ January 13, 2025

Captive wild animals in circuses spend most of their days in cramped, barren cages, deprived of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors. Forced to perform frightening and sometimes painful tricks, they often endure a lifetime of misery.

A bill being considered in the Washington legislature, S.B.5065, known as the “Circus Bill,” would prohibit the use of certain wild animals in circuses and traveling animal acts in the state, including big cats, bears, nonhuman primates, and elephants. It would not impact brick-and-mortar facilities.  

Wild animal exhibitors that perform in Washington have histories of federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) violations and public-safety incidents. Culpepper & Merriweather Circus, for example, has failed to meet the minimum federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Culpepper & Merriweather for failing to provide animals with shelter from the elements, enough space to make normal postural adjustments, and proper veterinary care, nutrition, and handling. Jordon World Circus, which no longer has its own USDA exhibitor license, uses animal acts that have also been cited for violations of the AWA. Safety issues with animals used by Jordan World Circus include a bear, tiger, and elephants escaping. One elephant named Misty killed a handler, and in another incident attacked a trainer while giving rides to children. A tiger escaped into the audience and bit an audience member.

Laws protecting various species of wild animals from being forced to perform in traveling shows have been enacted in several U.S. states, including California, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, New Jersey, and Massachusetts. In Washington, local prohibitions have been enacted in Darrington, Port Townsend, Redmond, Snohomish, Spokane, and most recently Wenatchee and East Wenatchee.

​​Why is this legislation important? ​ 

Stronger legal protections are needed for captive wild animals in Washington. These animals have few legal protections, and even those few protections are not adequately enforced. When wild animals are used in traveling shows and circuses, there is no way to ensure the safety of the animals or the public. Numerous incidents in which animals have escaped cages or bolted from their handlers have led to injury and even death for animals and people alike.

Passing this bill would make Washington the ninth U.S. state to do so after the most recent victory in Massachusetts in 2024. 

​​For more information about animal protection legislation​ in California ​and opportunities to take action for animals, visit aldf.org/​washington.