"When the stars threw down their spears "

September 9, 2024 6:42 PM

'New Mass.(achusetts) law bars circuses from using elephants, lions, giraffes and other animals​.' though "Exceptions include animals that live at a zoo and the use of animals in filming movies. Non-exotic animals like horses, chickens, pigs, and rabbits can continue to be exhibited."

The Giraffe in Rome.

Previously. can giraffes swim?


Giraffes and the Zooligical Institute

Ringling Brothers Giraffe / Elephant Wagon

posted by clavdivs (13 comments total)

I approve of this.
posted by charismatic megafauna at 7:36 PM on September 9 [4 favorites]

Very nice title.
posted by doctornemo at 8:26 PM on September 9 [3 favorites]

I am very lucky to live here in Mass(achusetts). Things like this bolster that feeling. Thanks for posting it.
posted by not_on_display at 9:56 PM on September 9 [6 favorites]

We've been campaigning for a similar law here in Cape Town. There's a travelling circus with lions and tigers. At the moment all we can do is get the SPCA to inspect them, but the reports of cruel living conditions and treatment don't seem to be doing anything.

(Fantastic post title)
posted by Zumbador at 10:42 PM on September 9 [3 favorites]

It's about time.
posted by nicolin at 2:18 AM on September 10 [2 favorites]

A circus in Germany has been using holograms of large animals, but I'm not sure how the cost would compare with live animals. Probably a lot more expensive to begin with but cheaper, kinder and way less hassle in the long run. Also, less smelly.. I've no time to look it up now, but AFAIK use of live "wild" animals has been banned in the UK and Ireland since about 2020. Domestic animals like horses, dogs, pigs, pigeons etc. are still ok.
posted by Fuchsoid at 4:32 AM on September 10 [1 favorite]

It's interesting that in most vet offices a rabbit is an exotic pet, but not in the circus.
Rabbits are intelligent and should be treated humanely.
posted by those are my balloons at 5:28 AM on September 10 [3 favorites]

Awesome news. Now let’s get a ban on horse and dog racing.
posted by waving at 6:39 AM on September 10 [4 favorites]

Massachusetts passed a ban on dog racing in a 2008 ballot initiative. Horse racing remains legal but at present I think there's only one venue in the state.
posted by RonButNotStupid at 6:57 AM on September 10 [2 favorites]

According to this site (which probably needs to be updated now), 34 states now have partial (generally municipal-level) or full bans on the use of circus animals.
posted by briank at 7:10 AM on September 10 [3 favorites]

re title: The Tyger, not The Tiger.
posted by enfa at 7:14 AM on September 10 [2 favorites]

(Republic of) Ireland: "The Circuses (Prohibition on Use of Wild Animals) Regulations 2017 comes under the Animal Health & Welfare Act 2013 " stopped this practice as from 01 Jan 2018. Hare-coursing is allowed, under regulation with muzzles. Fox hunting is same as it ever was. Horse-racing is a national religion: hundreds of people go to Cheltenham Racing every year including in March 2020 which turned out to be a major incubator for Covid19. In 2019 3 horses died at Cheltenham; down from 6 the year before and !11! in 2006. I don't have more recent stats to hand.
posted by BobTheScientist at 8:36 AM on September 10 [1 favorite]

Proper.
posted by rrrrrrrrrt at 12:41 PM on September 10 [1 favorite]