Bills to Combat Petting Zoos and Poaching are Signed into Law in New York

In August 2014, New York governor Andrew Cuomo signed two compassionate bills into law, both of which marked momentous victories for animal welfare. S. 6903, introduced by Assemblywoman Rosenthal and Senator Avella, prohibits public contact with big cats. Meanwhile, A. 10143, introduced by Senators Lanza and Avella and Assemblyman Sweeney, will ban the sale of ivory and rhino horn, with exceptions. Born Free USA worked with partners to provide grassroots support of the bill. The legislature recognized the urgency of this matter and passed the bill, allowing the governor to sign it into law. New York was the largest ivory market in the U.S. – but, thanks to the governor’s signature, this will no longer be the case!