Victory on Topsfield circus ordinance!

Dear friend,

At Topsfield Town Meeting, residents voted to prohibit the use of elephants, big cats, bears, primates, and other wild animals in traveling shows in Topsfield. As reported in the Salem News, this measure passed by a "clear majority," bringing an immediate end to the controversial elephant and camel rides at the Topsfield Fair. This victory is thanks to the leadership of local organizer Martha Sanders, with the assistance of Toni Pizzinato and other Topsfield animal advocates. 

Topsfield has is now among the growing number of communities restricting the use of wild animals in circuses and traveling shows, along with six states and nearly 150 localities in 37 other states, including Braintree, Cambridge, Quincy, Pittsfield, Plymouth, Provincetown, Revere, Somerville, and Weymouth in MA. Now, it's time for Massachusetts to take statewide action by passing the state circus bill (S.2028 and H.2934).

TAKE ACTION: Please make two brief, polite phone calls to your state senator and state representative to urge action on the state bill. Look up their phone numbers.

When you call, you can simply say, "As a constituent who cares about animal welfare and public safety, please urge your colleagues on the Environment Committee to release the circus bill with a favorable report. An Act Relative to the Use of Elephants, Big Cats, Primates, and Bears in Traveling Exhibits has been filed in the Senate as S.2028 and in the House as H.2934." 

Read more in this factsheet on S.2028 and H.2934 and HSUS' guide to ending the use of wild animal acts in your community.