Big news: New York City could be next to ban circuses that use wild animals for performances and amusement. Please speak up today to make this a reality!
NYC Council Member Rosie Mendez has introduced
legislation to ban performances using captive wildlife like elephants, lions and tigers in travelling circuses and other shows. Health Committee Chair Council Member Corey Johnson has scheduled a hearing for the bill at 10:00 AM on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at City Hall.
How You Can Help - Take Action:
1. Call your New York City Council Member. (Find your Council Member here.) A quick call is very important. Please urge him or her to co-sponsor Intro 1233. You can say, "As a constituent of Council Member ___, I urge [him/her] to co-sponsor Intro 1233, because wild animals do not belong in circuses."
2. Submit testimony at the hearing. Typically each witness will have about two minutes to speak, but your statement can be as brief as "I support Intro. 1233." If you plan to testify, please arrive by 9:00 AM, bring 20 copies of written testimony, and check in with the sergeant-at-arms.
When: Thursday, October 20 at 10:00AM
Where: Council Chambers, City Hall - 260 Broadway, New York, NY
More details: Join the Facebook event for updates and RSVP to testify.
If you cannot attend the hearing but still want to submit written testimony or other evidence, please email info@goosewatchnyc.com before the hearing.
Circus representatives and supporters are out in force and will spare no expense to kill this legislation, so it's imperative that animal advocates voice our support!
Wild animals used in travelling shows for exhibition are deprived a natural life. For mere amusement, these sentient creatures, including elephants, lions and tigers, are removed from their natural habitat, separated from their families, often beaten and broken so they can be trained to perform, and forced into a life in captivity and exploited for profit.
At the same time, New York City is home to a diversity of free living wildlife. Our wild neighbors need attention, appreciation and protection. Canada geese, wild turkeys, mute swans, and more than 600 species of birds, as well as deer, coyote, raccoons, harbor seals, whales and many other creatures live within our five boroughs. The presence of wildlife in New York City provides a meaningful opportunity for New Yorkers to learn about and engage with wildlife in a way that unnatural wild animal exhibitions and performances can never satisfy.
For more information, visit
http://www.goosewatchnyc.com/end-circus-cruelty