[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6627]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     THE INTRODUCTION OF THE TRAVELING EXOTIC ANIMAL PROTECTION ACT

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES P. MORAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 30, 2014

  Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the Traveling 
Exotic Animal Protection Act. This legislation would restrict the use 
of exotic, non-domesticated animals in traveling entertainment.
  Based upon publically available research, including video and 
photographic evidence, it is clear that traveling circuses cannot 
provide proper living conditions for exotic animals. This legislation 
is intended to target the most egregious situations involving exotic 
and wild animals in traveling circuses. Keeping elephants in chains, 
confining lions and tigers in small cages, forcing them to perform 
unnatural tricks for the sole purpose of human amusement is 
increasingly difficult to justify the more we learn about these 
intelligent, social creatures.
  The Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act would comprehensively 
tackle the use of all exotic animals in circuses. The bill would end 
the confinement of animals for extended periods in temporary 
facilities, stop cruel training and control methods employed by 
circuses, and limit the danger these animals pose to public safety. The 
bill intentionally targets only the most egregious conditions these 
exotic animals are subjected to and would not impact zoos, aquariums, 
rodeos or other static facilities with captive wildlife.
  While this Congress needs to take action on a variety of issues vital 
to our nation's well-being, I believe we should also take the 
opportunity to focus public attention on instances of fundamental 
animal mistreatment. How we choose to treat animals is a reflection of 
our nation's values, for better or worse. Too often, however, inhumane 
activities are hidden, rarely discussed, and left to continue unabated.
  The Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act will ensure this 
significant animal protection issue, the use of exotic animals in 
traveling entertainment, receives proper scrutiny. I look forward to 
working with my colleagues to advance this important animal protection 
legislation.

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