It’s Now Much Harder To See Elephants in New York
Here's why it's going to be a lot harder to see elephants in New York.
On Thursday, New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed legislation prohibiting the use of elephants in entertainment acts.
According to the governor’s office, entertainment elephants live half as long as wild elephants due to abusive treatment.
"The use of elephants in these types of settings is dangerous to their health and potentially abusive," Governor Cuomo said. "The Elephant Protection Act furthers this administration's efforts to fight animal cruelty, and create a stronger, more humane New York."
Under the Elephant Protection Act no person or business can use elephants in entertainment acts, which include circuses, carnivals, parades or trade shows. Now, in New York State the only place you'll be able to see elephants are at zoos.
“Once again, New York State is proving to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves,” Senator Terrence Murphy said.
The legislation aims to prevent performance tricks that are never executed by elephants in the wild and that are stressful or harmful to the animal. Elephants used for entertainment purposes often suffer physical and psychological harm due to the living conditions and treatment to which they are subjected, officials say.
“Elephants will no longer be subjected to cruel treatment for our amusement," Assemblywoman Amy Paulin said. "Elephants have been exploited and abused in entertainment acts for too long. Confinement, torture and unhealthy living conditions have led to early death for these intelligent, gentle animals. Today, New York has become the leader in ending this horrible practice."
Recently, Ringling Brothers Circus removed elephants from their shows and then stopped operating after 146-years. Anyone who breaks the law will pay a one-thousand-dollar fine.
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