Support Washington’s Move To Protect Wild Animals From Circus Suffering

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Sponsor: The Animal Rescue Site

Wild animals trapped in circuses endure unimaginable cruelty—together, we can put a stop to this exploitation. Stand with Washington to protect animals from suffering in traveling shows.

Support Washington’s Move To Protect Wild Animals From Circus Suffering

Washington has taken a major step toward ending animal cruelty by passing Senate Bill 5065, which bans the use of wild animals in traveling circuses and entertainment acts. This groundbreaking legislation prohibits elephants, tigers, bears, and other wild animals from performing in circus acts, offering these animals a chance to live free from the abuse and mistreatment they have suffered for decades. Washington’s action is not only a victory for animals but also sets a powerful example for other states to follow. The ban will prevent wild animals from being transported in cramped cages, forced to perform painful tricks, and subjected to grueling travel schedules1. This legislation represents a major turning point for animal welfare, and other states should take note.

The Pain Behind the Performance

The exploitation of wild animals in circuses has long been a topic of concern for animal rights groups. Animals like elephants, tigers, and bears are often taken from their natural habitats and subjected to captivity for the entirety of their lives. Forced to perform unnatural tricks under harsh conditions, they endure both physical and psychological trauma. Viola, an elderly elephant used by the Jordan World Circus, is a prime example of this cruelty. In 2024, Viola made headlines after escaping from her handlers and running through traffic, causing concern for both the animal's safety and the public2. This was not the first time Viola had attempted to break free from her captivity, demonstrating the distress that these animals experience on a daily basis.

Washington Sets a Precedent for Other States

With the passage of this bill, Washington joins a growing list of states, including Maryland and Massachusetts, that are taking a stand against the use of wild animals in traveling shows3. This move represents not just a win for animals, but also a win for public safety. As more animals in circuses have been known to escape or act out, it has become clear that these performances put both the animals and the public at risk. This law is an important step forward, but it is only the beginning. We need other states to follow Washington’s lead and enact similar laws to protect animals from the suffering of circus life. With the momentum building across the nation, it’s time for the rest of the country to take action.

The Path Forward: Protecting Wild Animals Everywhere

While Washington’s new law offers hope, there is still much work to be done. The cruelty of circus performances has been widespread, and many animals across the country continue to suffer. The momentum from Washington’s decision should inspire other states to act, ensuring that no more animals are subjected to the torment of circus life. Together, we can work toward a future where wild animals are no longer exploited for entertainment. By supporting this cause, we can create lasting change and ensure that all animals live in conditions that reflect their inherent worth.

Sign the Petition to End Circus Cruelty Now

Join us in supporting Senate Bill 5065 and the protection of wild animals everywhere. Sign the petition to help ensure that Washington’s victory becomes a model for the rest of the nation. Together, we can make a difference for animals in need of our protection.

More on this issue:

  1. Oscar Rodriguez, KOMO News (24 April 2025), "Lions, tigers, bears, and more banned from Washington circuses under new bill."
  2. Kitty Block, Wenatchee World (22 April 2025), "Wenatchee Valley advocates celebrate ban on use of traveling circus animals."
  3. Karlee Van De Venter, Humane World for Animals (29 April 2025), "Washington restricts wild animals in circuses and traveling shows."

The Petition

Dear Governor,

We, the undersigned, express our heartfelt support for your decision to sign Senate Bill 5065 into law, which bans the use of wild animals in traveling circuses and other entertainment acts. This bold move demonstrates Washington’s unwavering commitment to protecting animals from the suffering, exploitation, and inhumane conditions they endure when forced into circus performances.

Your leadership sets a powerful example for other states to follow. The cruelty that wild animals experience in the circus—being transported in cramped cages, subjected to painful tricks, and deprived of their natural behaviors—has no place in our modern society. By signing this bill into law, you have made a statement that the welfare of animals is a priority, and that exploitation for entertainment is unacceptable.

This new law will not only end the suffering of elephants, tigers, bears, and nonhuman primates in Washington, but also serve as a beacon for other states. As we have seen in Maryland, Massachusetts, and now Washington, the momentum is building. More states must recognize that animal welfare should come first and follow Washington’s lead in enacting similar protections.

The compassionate decision to protect wild animals from circus cruelty ensures that they can live without fear, exploitation, or abuse. By taking action, you have not only improved the lives of these animals, but also set a precedent for a future where animals are treated with respect and dignity.

These steps forward will inspire other states and legislators to join this growing movement. A world where animals are no longer forced to perform in traveling shows is a world where compassion and justice prevail. We are optimistic that, with your leadership, this new law will help ensure a future where animals are no longer used for entertainment but are valued for their intrinsic worth and protected under the law.

Thank you for championing the protection of wild animals in Washington. Your actions are helping to create a better world for all creatures—one where their rights are respected, and their suffering is no longer tolerated.

Sincerely,