California becomes third state to ban most animals from circuses

A new law banning most animals from circuses in California exempts rodeos and does not apply to domesticated horses, dogs and cats, reports ABC News.

Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the bill into law Saturday, making California the third state to enact such a ban, after New Jersey and Hawaii.

Sen. Ben Hueso, who authored the bill, said that circus animals endure cruel training. One of the most famous acts known to use animals, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, closed after 146 years.

The southwest California Legislative Council opposed the bill, saying in a statement obtained by ABC News that the law would prevent spectators from experiencing “the thrill of a circus performance featuring beautiful, well cared for animals.”

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