Animals in Entertainment

From wild animal circuses to horse soring to organized fighting rings, animals used for human entertainment have historically been among the least protected by law. Public attitudes have shifted dramatically — and LOHV is working to make the laws catch up.

What We Are Working On

• Wild Animal Circus Bans: The use of elephants, tigers, bears, and other wild animals in traveling circuses is increasingly being banned at the state and local level. LOHV supports these bans and works to hold existing operations accountable to current animal welfare laws.
• Horse Soring: Soring is the deliberate infliction of pain on a horse's front legs and hooves to produce the exaggerated high-stepping gait prized in Tennessee Walking Horse shows. The PAST Act (Prevent All Soring Tactics) has broad support. LOHV supports its passage and state-level equivalents.
• Greyhound Racing: Where greyhound racing remains legal, racing dogs are often kept in small cages for 20+ hours a day and face a high rate of injuries on the track. LOHV supports abolishing greyhound racing and ensuring that retired dogs are placed in adoptive homes.
• Cockfighting and Dogfighting: Though federal law makes animal fighting a felony, enforcement is uneven and some states still treat spectating as a minor offense. LOHV supports strengthening spectator laws, increasing penalties, and ensuring consistent enforcement.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use wild animals in circuses in the United States?

It depends on the state and municipality. California, New Jersey, New York, and others have banned the use of certain or all wild animals in circuses. Federal law requires traveling animal exhibitors to hold USDA licenses but does not ban the practice. LOHV works to expand state-level bans.

What is the PAST Act?

The Prevent All Soring Tactics (PAST) Act is federal legislation that would strengthen the Horse Protection Act of 1970 by eliminating industry self-policing in favor of independent USDA inspections and increasing penalties for soring violations. LOHV supports its passage.

Are zoos and aquariums regulated?

Commercial zoos and aquariums must be licensed by the USDA under the Animal Welfare Act if they exhibit animals to the public. However, standards for space, enrichment, and social housing vary widely. LOHV supports raising minimum welfare standards and closing loopholes that allow substandard exhibitors to operate.