Nosey’s Law Has A Fighting Chance With NJ Governor Phil Murphy - National Humane Education Society
Paws Up!
January 18, 2018
To the outgoing New Jersey Sen. Raymond Lesniak for introducing Nosey’s Law, which would outlaw the use of exotic animals, including elephants, in circuses traveling animal shows in New Jersey.
With a new year, the state of New Jersey has said goodbye to Governor Chris Christie and is welcoming Democratic Governor Phil Murphy to the Governor’s Office. New Jersey will also be saying goodbye to Senator Raymond Lesniak, who is retiring after 40 years in the New Jersey Senate. He has dedicated much of his life’s work to championing progressive, and desperately need animal welfare legislation. One of these bills has been Nosey’s Law, which would outlaw circuses and traveling exotic animal acts in the state of New Jersey. The bill was named for an elephant who was forced by the Liebel Family Circus to give rides to the public while suffering from arthritis and degenerative joint disease. The Liebel Family Circus had been cited by the the U.S. Department of Agriculture for nearly 200 violations of the Animal Welfare Act. Since the bill was first introduced, Nosey has thankfully been retired to an elephant sanctuary. While some cities, including New York City, NY, and Los Angeles, CA, have banned exotic animal circus acts, New Jersey would be the first to pass statewide legislation.
On his last day in office, Governor Chris Christie pocket vetoed the bill. However, the bill will undergo a few revisions and will then go to Governor Murphy’s desk for signature.
Take action. Contact Governor Murphy immediately and respectfully urge him to pass Nosey’s Law. Need help writing your email or letter? Feel free to use NHES’ sample action letter below.
Re: Nosey’s Law
Dear Governor Murphy,
As a resident of New Jersey, I would like to offer congratulations on your election to the Governor’s Office. I am also writing to ask that you support a bill that is very dear to my heart. Nosey’s Law would outlaw the use of elephants and other exotic animals in traveling entertainment acts. While many cities have passed ordinances to this effect, New Jersey would be the first state to pass this landmark animal welfare bill. The bill is named for an African elephant owned by Liebel Family Circus, a family-owned company from Florida. Nosy was imported as a baby from Zimbabwe. Despite having severe arthritis, and multiple citations from the USDA for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, the African elephant was carted around the the country for years and used to provide rides for paying customers at special events and fairs. While Nosey has thankfully been retired to a sanctuary, hundreds of other elephants, big cats, and wild creatures remain entrapped in these for-profit enterprises. Please, help New Jersey become “The Humane State” and sign Nosey’s Law.
With great appreciation,
[Your Name]
Hello and thank you for this wonderful synopsis of Nosey’s Law! I am with Save Nosey Now, a group formed specifically to bring attention to the suffering of Nosey the African elephant abused for more than 30 years by Hugo Liebel and family in the circus.
Because of awesome advocates, Nosey was rescued in Alabama after being discovered in deplorable conditions. Local advocates, animal control, the District Attorney and Judge took the right action and the result was the seizure of Nosey and off to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee she went! Nosey is blossoming every day to become the elephant she deserves to be. ♥️
*woukd it be possible to use a picture of Nosey here in your article instead of this one you are using of this beautiful Asian elephant? I will be happy to supply you with one of Nosey! Thank you so much!
Has this law been signed by Governor Murphy?
Elaine,
This bill has actually just been passed by the assembly and is now headed to Governor Murphy for final review.
“Thank you for considering S1093 “Nosey’s Law” before your committee. I strongly urge you to vote YES and support this vital legislation to protect the public and ensure proper treatment of animals.”
Thank you.