N.Y.C. Admin. Code § L.L. 2017/118: L.L. 2017/118

Enactment date: 7/22/2017

Int. No. 1233-A

By Council Members Mendez, Johnson, Palma, Cabrera, Dromm, Koslowitz, Williams, Rodriguez, Rosenthal, Gibson, Torres, Cohen, Levin, Vacca, Cornegy, Richards, Reynoso, Salamanca, Menchaca, Espinal, Ferreras-Copeland, Chin, Lander, Gentile, Van Bramer, Levine, Perkins, Cumbo, Maisel, Garodnick, Grodenchik, Vallone, Treyger, Wills, Mealy, Ulrich and the Public Advocate (Ms. James)

A Local Law to amend the administrative code of the city of New York, in relation to wild or exotic animal circus performances

Be it enacted by the Council as follows:

Section 1. Legislative Findings. The Council finds that traveling circuses are detrimental to animal welfare due to the adverse effects of frequent transport, extended periods of confinement and physically abusive training techniques. The extended period of time in vehicles and temporary facilities utilized by the circus industry restrict natural behaviors and cause animals to suffer and be prone to health, behavioral and psychological problems. Tricks that exotic and wild animals are forced to perform require extreme physical coercion techniques, including the restriction of food, the use of bullhooks (a heavy bar with a sharpened point and hook), electric shocks, metal bars, whips, and other forms of physical abuse.

The conditions in traveling circuses, including constant travel, limited facilities, long periods of restricted movement, separation from natural groupings, stress, and physical coercion inevitably compromise the welfare of animals, which can lead to abnormal behavior and increased risks to public safety. Restricting the use of exotic and wild animals in traveling circuses and shows is the most cost-effective and efficient way to safeguard both animal welfare and public safety.

Passage of this bill will add New York City to the list of four states and 125 localities in 34 states across the country that have enacted partial or full bans on circus animals.

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[Consolidated provisions are not included in this Appendix A]

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§ 3. This local law takes effect 180 days after it becomes law; provided, however, that the commissioner shall take such actions, including the promulgation of rules, as may be necessary for the timely implementation of this local law prior to such date.