The Humane Society in the United States published a press release on 25th July 2023, reporting that bipartisan legislation to prohibit the use of wild animals in traveling exhibits was heard by the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.

The bills prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, primates, giraffes and bears in traveling exhibits and shows. This critical, bipartisan legislation serves to protect wild animals from the distress inherent in their use as entertainment, including severe confinement, abusive training methods and the horrific burdens of transportation and exhibition.

The training methods addressed include the use of bullhooks, whips and electric prods. The urgency for these bills is amplified by the dozens of shows continuing to travel across the U.S. coupled with incidents that risk both public and worker safety.