NewsCalifornia News

Actions

California bans the use of most animals in circus acts

Posted
and last updated

You may start to notice a change the next time you visit the circus. California has banned the use of most animals in circus acts.

The law exempts rodeos and does not apply to domesticated dogs, cats, and horses.

California is now the third state to enact such a ban, joining New Jersey and Hawaii. Circuses have been declining in popularity.

The most well-known act, the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, closed in 2017 after 146 years of performances. At least 18 circuses don't use animals at all, including Cirque du Soleil.

,

Weather

Daily Forecast

View Hourly Forecast

Day

Conditions

HI / LO

Precip

Wednesday

05/06/2026

Sunny

81° / 59°

2%

Thursday

05/07/2026

Sunny

91° / 62°

1%

Friday

05/08/2026

Sunny

91° / 61°

0%

Saturday

05/09/2026

Sunny

92° / 64°

0%

Sunday

05/10/2026

Sunny

97° / 67°

0%

Monday

05/11/2026

Sunny

102° / 70°

0%

Tuesday

05/12/2026

Mostly Sunny

103° / 70°

0%

Wednesday

05/13/2026

Mostly Sunny

97° / 67°

0%