It's Law: You Won't See Animals When the Circus Comes to NJ

Governor Phil Murphy signed a 'first-ever' law into effect Friday called "Nosey's Law."

Nosey is a 36-year-old elephant that has allegedly been abused for quite some time by traveling circuses. Animal rights groups also claim that Nosey was abused by its owner.

Nosey's Law was passed bi-partisanly and will ban wild or exotic animals from performing or being displayed at carnivals, circuses, fairs, parades, petting zoos, and live events in New Jersey.

The New Jersey Fish and Game Council defines "exotic animals" as "any species of mammal, bird, reptile, amphibian, fish, mollusk, or crustacean that is not indigenous to New Jersey.”

This would make our state the first in the nation with a law like this on the books.

This legislation was previously vetoed by former Governor Chris Christie.

Current Governor Phil Murphy said in a statement:

I am proud to sign ‘Nosey’s Law’ and ensure that New Jersey will not allow wild and exotic animals to be exploited and cruelly treated within our state.

Other states like Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, Hawaii, and New York are considering passing a similar law.

It’s Law: You Won’t See Animals When the Circus Comes to NJ