NJ Is Now the First US State to Ban Exotic Animal Circus Acts

Last night, New Jersey became to first state to pass "Nosey's Law" with a unanimous vote across the NJ Senate:31-0

What exactly is "Nosey's Law"? Well according to the State of New Jersey's 217th Legislature:

An Act concerning the use of elephants in traveling animal acts, designated as Nosey’s Law

 

1. Notwithstanding any other law, or any rule or regulation adopted pursuant thereto, to the contrary, no person shall use an elephant in a traveling animal act.
2. Any person who violates this section shall be subject to the penalties provided in section 10 of P.L.1973, c.309 (C.23:2A-10), except that the criminal penalties provided in subsection f. of that section shall not apply.
3. As used in this section:

a. “Mobile or traveling housing facility” means a vehicle, including a truck, trailer, or railway car, used to transport or house an animal used for performance.

b.  “Performance” means any animal act, carnival, circus, display, exhibition, exposition, fair, parade, petting zoo, presentation, public showing, race, ride, trade show, or similar undertaking in which animals perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments for the entertainment, amusement, or benefit of a live audience.

c. “Traveling animal act” means any performance which requires an animal to be transported to or from the location of the performance in a mobile or traveling housing facility.

 

2. This act shall take effect immediately.

In which case, starting today, New Jersey will no longer be a state that inhabits elephants for the purpose of entertaining the people--amongst several other exotic animals that will eventually be added to this new law.

So that means no more elephant rides at the zoo! 

Also on SoJO 104.9: