The Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development held a hearing yesterday on SB 1626.  The proceedings were similar to past hearings, with several Massachusetts residents and representatives from HSUS speaking in favor of the bill.  They offered no new arguments or attacks directed at the circus/exhibition industry.  As in years past, those in opposition to this legislation had a strong showing.  Representatives from The Big E, the Elephant Managers Association, Feld Entertainment (including experts from the Center for Elephant Conservation), several Massachusetts agriculture fairs, the Massachusetts chapter of the National Animal Interest Alliance, and the Outdoor Amusement Business Association provided testimony in opposition.  One pleasant surprise was very strong testimony against the bill from a couple of Franklin Park Zoo employees.  In addition, over 20 organizations or businesses submitted letters in opposition to the Committee, including local arenas, zoo organizations, veterinary organizations, Shriners, and Teamsters.  The Committee also received a multitude of CFA member letters and emails. 

The committee has until early March to vote on the bill, and we are hoping they put the bill into study, which means they would continue to look into the issue and take no further legislative action on the matter this session.  If you have not done so already, please email Committee members to express your opposition to SB 1626.  And thank you to everyone who worked to contact the Committee prior to the hearing!