Phil Murphy Effectively Shuts Down Traveling Circuses and Petting Zoo’s in New Jersey

TRENTON-Governor Phil Murphy signed into law a bill that effectively shuts down traveling circuses and petting zoos that feature wild or exotic animals.  Bill S-1093 prohbits the use of wild or exotic animals in a traveling animal act.  

Any animals that “perform tricks” would be barred from traveling throughout the state. Under the law, a performing animal means 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.