ADI, Bob Barker, Jorja Fox launch circus bill

Although we've kept it quiet until recently, we've been honored to work on federal legislation to stop animal circuses with the team from Animal Defenders International (ADI), the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS), legendary philanthropist Bob Barker, and "CSI" star and activist Jorja Fox.

Yesterday in a news conference on Capitol Hill, Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.) announced the bill, known as the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Act (TEAPA). More than 35 media outlets attended the event. Below are highlights of the editorial coverage.

We feel a special responsibility not only to animals, but to other activists, to see this bill become law. We know people who have poured their time and resources into raising awareness about the cruelty and exploitation of the circus; we know people who have put themselves in enormous danger working undercover in circuses to document exactly how wild animals are forced to perform. We know people who have grown so jaded by the animal rights movement that circuses are one of the only issues - or the only issue - they remain passionate about.

You can follow this campaign, take action, and find out more at the Break the Chain website or Facebook page.

Time Magazine
Los Angeles Times
Washington Post
Washington Examiner
Los Angeles Daily News
Huffington Post
Politico
CNN
NBC
Fox News
Mother Jones
Local ABC News

Here is an outstanding photo from the press conference:

Here is a short video of some of Bob Barker's remarks.

Bob Barker addresses Congress from Animal Defenders on Vimeo.


And here is the video ADI showed to media and congressional staffers:

ADI: Congressional Video from Animal Defenders on Vimeo.