By Scot Bertram/Illinois Radio Network
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois is poised to become the first state in the country to ban performing elephants.
A bill headed for Gov. Bruce Rauner’s desk would prohibit circuses and traveling acts from using the animals in their shows. State Rep. Laura Fine, D-Glenview, sponsored the measure in the House.
“These animals need room to roam,” Fine said. “They’re very social animals and much of the treatment given to the animals is not to their best health and welfare. These are very majestic, social creatures and they deserve to be treated in the proper way.”
Rachel Mathews, an attorney and associate director of the Captive Animal Law Enforcement division of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) Foundation, is pleased that Illinois lawmakers have taken steps to protect elephants.
“Elephants don’t do tricks or give rides because they want to,” Mathews said. “They do it because they’ve been chained and beaten behind the scenes and they’re afraid of being punished if they don’t. So that’s why the public is calling for an end to this kind of abuse, which is also why Ringling Brothers is finally closed.”
Mathews estimates there are about 60 elephants still used in circuses and shows around the country; 12 made recent stops in Illinois. She argues the ban also would be good for public health and safety.
“Elephants are multi-ton wild animals and they get fearful and aggressive when they are threatened with bull hooks and abuse,” Mathews said. “Many of them have lashed out. They also carry tuberculosis, the same strain as the disease in humans, and they can easily transmit it.”
Fine explained the idea for the bill actually came from children in her district. She started receiving letters last year from kids who had been studying elephants in school and were discussing the treatment of the animals in circuses and shows.
Fine says despite more serious unresolved topics in Springfield, like the lack of a budget, she’s proud to have pushed this measure through the House.
“The budget is the top priority, but essentially, when you have children who are being engaged in the process … this is a huge lesson for them in civics education,” Fine said. “So not only is that a part of why it’s so important to see this legislation move, but it’s also a very positive outcome for the elephants.”
The legislation passed the Illinois House on a 91-14 vote, following unanimous approval in the Illinois Senate. It’s not known yet if Rauner plans to sign the bill.
