Legislative intent.
This Legislature hereby finds and determines that for-profit
traveling performances, shows or zoos that involve exotic, wild and/or
nondomesticated animals are detrimental to animal welfare due to the
adverse effect of severe confinement, lack of free exercise, physical
coercion and the restriction of natural behaviors.
This Legislature also finds and determines that the traveling
performance show or zoo stress can often cause exotic, wild and/or
nondomesticated animals to suffer and be more prone to health, behavioral
and psychological problems which can further lead to increased risks
to public safety.
This Legislature finds and determines that County government
has broad powers to enact legislation relating to the health, safety
and welfare of its citizens.
This Legislature further finds and determines that exotic, wild
and/or nondomesticated animals pose an additional risk to public safety
because such animals have wild instincts and needs and have demonstrated
unpredictability.
This Legislature determines that traveling performances increase
the possibility of escaping exotic, wild and/or nondomesticated animals
which can wreak havoc, seriously harm workers and the public.
This Legislature also finds that traveling performances involving
exotic, wild and nondomesticated animals bring adults and children
dangerously close to the displaying animals in inappropriate uncontrolled
areas that are not suited for the exhibition of such animals.
This Legislature further determines that many of these species
are physically dangerous and create a higher risk of transmitting
diseases to humans.
Therefore, the purpose of this law is to reduce hazards to the
physical health of the public, safeguard the public safety of residents
and guests of Suffolk County, and further ensure animal welfare and
promote the protection of animals by prohibiting the participation
of an exotic or wild animal in a traveling performance or show held
in the County.