N.J. becomes first in the nation to ban exotic animals in traveling shows

New Jersey has become the first state in the country to ban elephants and other exotic animals from traveling performances, in a move praised by animal rights advocates, who are lobbying other states to enact similar measures.“Nosey’s Law,” signed by Gov. Murphy on Friday, is named after an African elephant once owned by a Florida-based operator. Advocates rescued the ailing elephant, and she became the face of the law that makes it illegal to use wild and exotic animals in traveling shows, including circuses and carnivals.“New Jersey has set the precedent,” Kate Dylewsky, senior policy adviser for the Animal Welfare Institute in Washington, said Monday. “This is enormous progress.”Two other states, Rhode Island and California, have enacted restrictions on the use of such animals, banning the use of bull hooks to move or train them. Also, New York and Illinois have prohibited the use of elephants in traveling shows. More than 100 municipalities have passed similar measures.