SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Linda Holmes maintains her ongoing commitment to lead legislation to restrict owners of traveling animal acts from using wild animals in their shows. Her latest measure adding specific breeds to the list of banned species was signed into law Friday.
“These animals spend most of their lives in cramped, soiled cages, in severe and chronic stress,” Holmes (D-Aurora) said. “Extended periods in confinement and forced training to perform dangerous stunts are frightening and unnatural for them. In 2017, I passed legislation banning the use of elephants in circuses and other traveling exhibitions that do not provide adequate living conditions, and we’ve added more species to the ban over the years.”
House Bill 4255 adds specific breeds to the offense of unlawful use of animals in traveling acts to include cougars, jaguars, leopards, lions, tigers, non-human primates, bears, and all elephants, not just endangered species. It also adds any hybrids of these animals. Anyone knowingly using a covered animal is committing a Class A misdemeanor.
According to Humane World for Animals (formerly known as the Humane Society), some operators charge premiums to let visitors feed, pet, hold, play with or ride the animals. It’s no surprise dangerous animal incidents are on the rise across the United States. Animals used for public handling are typically pulled from their mothers shortly after birth to be hand-raised, a practice that denies newborns critical maternal care. Baby animals with weak immune systems are subjected to stress, neglect, and mistreatment associated with public handling.
“Wild animals are not trick machines,” Holmes said. “Out-of-state exhibitors can’t profit in Illinois from abusing wild animals anymore. Families planning to enjoy county fair and festival season this summer won’t be confronted by these upsetting acts anymore.”
House Bill 4255 was signed by the governor on Friday. It takes effect on July 1, 2026.
