- Senseless CT bill will stop many school animal exhibits and more. Take Action today!

Published by -NAWA News Feed- in - ACTION ALERTS - · Friday 11 Mar 2022

Connecticut House Bill 5293 (HB5293) is another “traveling animal act” ban with broad-sweeping implications. HB5293 prohibits using most animals (see below) in mobile educational programs, which will include the outreach programs provided by many animal keepers. The stated purpose, “To prohibit the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling circuses.” is disingenuous and misleading as the consequences go well beyond circuses and the radical animal rights groups that write these bills know it.

HEARING NOW SET !

Take Action Today !

A hearing was just scheduled for March 14 at 10:00 AM. You can register to testify (choice of Zoom or by phone) by clicking this link. Scroll down 1/3 of the page and click On-line Testimony Registration Form. You must register by March 13 at 3:00 PM EST. LINK (scroll down to ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE, MONDAY, MARCH 14, 2022): https://www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABulletin/Bulletin.asp

Email your written opposition to: envtestimony@cga.ct.gov

The agenda is posted at https://www.cga.ct.gov/2022/envdata/pha/pdf/2022PHA00314-R001000ENV-PHA.PDF.

This is a ban on educational programs in classrooms, public libraries, at Scout Troop meetings, and more. This is essentially a ban on taking non-domesticated animals anywhere besides the veterinarian.

TAKE NOTICE: The stated list of animals does not matter! This program ban would cover ALL non-domesticated animals. Per the bill: “exotic or wild animal” includes any animal that is not domesticated, including, but not limited to… The animal act ban would cover not only the listed species but also ALL OTHER non-domesticated species because the phrase “but not limited to” is inserted.

Other definitions allow for broad interpretation (this is intentional). “Traveling animal act” covers any transportation of animals for a “performance.” Performance is defined to cover any exhibition, fair, display, etc. where an audience will be amused or entertained. People are entertained simply by seeing animals in person. “Mobile or traveling housing facility” is any form of transport vehicle, even cars. It does not matter if the programs are provided for free or charge a fee.

The only exemptions (and even those have limitations) are facilities with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries (GFAS), state-licensed permittees, specified falconers, and certain USDA-licensed academic/medical/research facilities. Please note that “environmental education programs” are only exempt if you qualify with an entity included in the above exemption list.

This bill is unnecessary, redundant, and a waste of Connecticut tax dollars. Animal welfare laws are already in place and measures like this bill only punish responsible citizens instead of actually penalizing criminals.

NOTE: It does not matter what legislators state as the purpose of the bill. They have been misinformed by the animal rights groups and that is why you must voice your opposition and educate them. Laws are not enforced by legislators and the enforcement officers must enforce the law as written.

Your voice counts!

Take a few quick seconds and be heard!