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SB 5065

Prohibiting the use of certain animals in traveling animal acts.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Jess Bateman and 8 co-sponsors

Starting July 27, 2025, the use of covered animals (elephants, wild cats, bears, nonhuman primates, and hybrids) in traveling animal acts is prohibited statewide.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · SB 5065

Summary — SB 5065 (2025): Prohibiting use of certain animals in traveling animal acts

Purpose

SB 5065 prohibits the participation of certain wild animals in traveling or mobile performance acts. The bill is intended to protect animal welfare and public safety by banning use of large wild species commonly used in circuses and similar traveling shows.

Key provisions

  • Creates a new chapter in Title 9 RCW establishing:
    • A ban on allowing "covered animals" to participate in any "traveling animal act."
    • A violation is classified as a gross misdemeanor.
    • Cities and counties may adopt ordinances that are more restrictive than state law.
    • A severability clause.
  • Definitions (selected):
    • "Covered animal": Elephantidae (elephants); Felidae (wild cats) excluding domestic cats; nonhuman primates; Ursidae (bears); and hybrids thereof.
    • "Mobile or traveling housing facility": transporting vehicle such as a truck, trailer, or railway car used to transport or house animals while traveling for exhibition.
    • "Performance": broad definition including exhibitions, circuses, fairs, animal acts, rides, petting zoos, parades, trade shows, carnivals, races, or similar undertakings where animals are required to perform tricks, give rides, or accompany entertainment.
    • "Traveling animal act": a performance where animals are transported to, from, or between locations in a mobile housing facility for the purpose of performance.

Exceptions

  • The prohibition does not apply to performances that:
    • Take place at a nonmobile, permanent institution or fixed facility licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and
    • Are conducted by that nonmobile, permanent institution or fixed facility.
    • (Final bill language includes an additional clarification that covered animals must not be transported to such a location for the sole purpose of the performance.)

Penalties & enforcement

  • Violation = gross misdemeanor. Under Washington law, a gross misdemeanor generally carries up to 364 days imprisonment, a fine up to $5,000, or both (subject to statutory exceptions).
  • The bill states “notwithstanding any other provision of law,” which signals a direct statewide prohibition regardless of other statutes.

Who is affected

  • Individuals and entities (corporations, partnerships, non‑profits, agents) who operate or allow animals to participate in traveling performances.
  • Traveling circuses, mobile shows, animal exhibitors that transport covered animals between sites.
  • USDA‑licensed, nonmobile permanent facilities (zoos, some sanctuaries) are exempt when the performance is conducted and held at that fixed location.
  • Local governments retain authority to adopt stricter local rules.

Legislative timeline & effective date

  • Prefiled: 12/16/2024; first read: 01/13/2025.
  • Passed Senate: 02/07/2025 (30–19).
  • Passed House: 04/09/2025 (65–32).
  • Delivered to Governor: 04/17/2025. Signed by Governor: 04/22/2025 (Chapter 116, 2025 Laws).
  • Effective date: July 27, 2025.

Fiscal/other notes

  • No appropriation included. Fiscal note is listed as available.

Stakeholder positions (recorded at hearings)

  • Supporters: Animal welfare and public‑safety advocates emphasized animal suffering in mobile confinement and documented incidents of injury to trainers or bystanders.
  • Opponents: Some exhibitors and outreach program representatives raised concerns about impacts on ethical educational programs, clarity about what constitutes a "performance," and the potential for a patchwork of stricter local regulations.

This summary highlights the bill's legal effect: starting July 27, 2025, use of elephants, nonhuman primates, bears, and wild cats (and their hybrids) in traveling performances that involve transporting the animals is prohibited statewide, with criminal penalties for violations and limited exceptions for fixed, USDA‑licensed facilities.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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