Los Angeles Gets It: Exploiting Animals Is Nothing to Celebrate

This monitor lizard didn’t deserve to be mishandled or distressed for any number of Instagram “likes” …

… just as this bear should never have been exploited at some wannabe-celebrity’s house party:

And now, Los Angeles is making it illegal to do so. Yesterday, the Los Angeles City Council voted to ban the use of wild and exotic animals as party props, prohibit public contact with dangerous animals, and outlaw the use of wild and exotic animals in circuses and performing animal acts. The measure requires Mayor Eric Garcetti’s signature to become law.

Using petrified penguins, bewildered big cats, and other wild animals as party props sentences sensitive beings to miserable, deprived lives in chains, cages, and trailers and can endanger partygoers if the animals get spooked.

Animals used as props at parties are subjected to stressful transport, unfamiliar environments, mishandling, and crowds of strangers. And while the federal Animal Welfare Act requires that animal exhibitors be licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, federal standards and enforcement are so weak that exhibitors often subject animals to inhumane conditions without any consequences under federal law.

The bottom line is that there’s simply no safe or humane way to use an animal as a prop at a party, and such exploitation should be universally banned.

PETA supported Los Angeles’ progressive ban every step of the way. The Los Angeles City Council first voted to draft this ordinance in 2017, and we contributed comments and input during the ordinance drafting process. Now, more than two years later, we’re looking forward to the end of bears, giraffes, elephants, and lions being dragged to house parties.

Exploiting Animals for Entertainment Is Nothing to Celebrate

Animals used for entertainment suffer behind the scenes and when they’re put on display. Whether it’s a house party, a circus, or a chlorine-filled tank, passing off exploitation as entertainment or conservation is never OK. So please, enjoy your party or vacation—but not at the expense of animals.

Animals used for human handling need our help—click on the link below to take action: