- ACTION ALERT: Connecticut - Say NO to SB 66 today!

Senate Bill 66 (SB66) is yet another "traveling animal act" ban under a different name. This bill has broad and vague language which could allow enforcement upon programs with most animals.

Per the bill, "exotic or wild animal" includes any animal that is not domesticated, including, but not limited to..." There is a list of animals but that list is not all-inclusive. Note the bill clearly states "but not limited to." That means any type of traveling or mobile show with any non-domesticated animal, even if not listed in the bill, will be illegal.

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.