Bill Description:
This bill prohibits the display or performance of any live wild or exotic animal for any commercial purpose on any public or private property. This does not apply to any animal that will physically reside within Hawaii for more than 300 days during the 12-month period immediately following the animal’s entry into Hawaii.[teaserbreak]
Facilities accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) or a “similarly recognized, national or international, zoological or aquaria accrediting body” are exempt.
Background:
From the preamble to the legislation:
In August 1994, an African elephant named Tyke, who was brought to Honolulu as part of a traveling circus, escaped from the Neal Blaisdell Center after crushing her trainer to death and injuring fifteen other people. Tyke was eventually killed by police officers after going on a rampage on the streets of Honolulu, charging after pedestrians and smashing cars throughout several city blocks. Tyke suffered a slow and painful death after being hit by dozens of bullets fired by police officers, because no one was prepared or trained to effectively and mercifully kill a rampaging African elephant. More recently, the 50th State Fair featured a traveling show from the mainland in the summer of 2014 that included grizzly bears and sea lions.
“As vividly illustrated by the tragedy of Tyke, the extreme stress and inhumane treatment that may be experienced by wild and exotic animals used for a commercial display or performance can cause them to behave unpredictably and even violently, leading to increased risks to public safety. Such animals may be subjected to constant travel, limited facilities, and long periods of restricted movement.
“The purpose of this Act is to enhance the safety of animals and the public by prohibiting the commercial display or performance of a live wild or exotic animal…”
Take Action:
Hawaii residents, contact your state senator and urge him or her to support this legislation!
Read the full text and follow its progress here.