In the
last 5 years, a stirring revolution has appeared seemingly out of nowhere in
opposition to for-profit corporations that force wild animals to perform for
people. Now, Hawaii is the first state to jump on board with this incredibly
movement.
Earlier
this week, the Hawaii Department of Agriculture unanimously voted in favor of a
set of proposed rule changes that prohibit the import of exotic wild animals
for “exhibition or performance.” Animal rights activists are celebrating
this news, as Hawaii would be the first state to ban the use of bears,
elephants, big cats, and other wild animals for entertainment purposes.
This
rule, however, exempts commercial filming of television or movies within
government zoos.
“We’re hoping of course that Hawaii will set an example for other states
to take the next step,” says Inga Dibson, Hawaii’s senior state director for the
Humane Society.
A
documentary released in 1994, “Tkye Elephant Outlaw,” reportedly
influenced the drafting of this proposal. It follows the story of an escaped
elephant that was ultimately shot dead by police in Honolulu.
Currently,
50 municipalities in 22 states and countries have partial or complete bans on
animals used as entertainment. Hawaii will be the first state to implement the ban
if it goes through.
The new
rules may go into effect as early as next year.
Of
course, circus advocates aren’t happy to hear about this move. The Circus Fans
Associated characterized proponents of the new rules as “animal rights
extremists” who make false statements relating to circus animal
mistreatment.
What do you think? Do
animals belong in captivity or should they be allowed to remain in the wild?
source
: dailyvibes.org