- ACTION ALERT: Connecticut, Oppose SB 413, "traveling animal act" ban.

Even though the stated purpose is "To prohibit the use of exotic or wild animals in traveling circuses," the actual bill text goes far beyond. Once again we see a misrepresented purpose likely meant to mislead as to the actual implications of the bill.

The unintended consequences are many. It is a ban on taking a Greek tortoise into a classroom for an educational program about reptiles.

It is a ban on taking a ball python, a red-eyed tree frog, a parakeet, and a hedgehog into a library or to a Scout troop meeting for an educational show discussing the differences between reptiles, amphibians, birds, and mammals.

We say unintended consequences but the animal rights groups who support these bills know very well what is happening. Legislators are often unfamiliar with or do not consider the many educational outreach programs conducted by individuals that allow for thousands of children to learn about animals each year. These experiences are often the triggers that lead children onto career paths in biology and conservation.

There are only a few exemptions, including AZA zoos, some sanctuaries, and colleges and research facilities licensed by the USDA.