Advancing Legislation

Born Free USA pursues compassionate legislation to outlaw the owning, trading, and/or selling of dangerous wild animals with little to no regulation or oversight. For example, we strive to:

  • End the keeping of reptiles as pets (often wild-caught animals from declining populations); and
  • Stop Mobile Live Animal Programs that force animals to travel around to nursing homes, schools, libraries, malls, and other such facilities in the name of “education” (but that often put both people and animals at risk). To discourage the Mobile Live Animal Programs, we document the conditions we see, meet with city councilors, write letters, present arguments to show that the program offers no educational value, and share information about the risks these animals pose to the public.

Thanks to the efforts of animal advocates, the tide is finally turning. Born Free USA writes letters to the editor, as well as letters in support of organizations that fund specific projects.

By WingedWolfPsion [CC BY-SA 3.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], from Wikimedia Commons.

Many of Canada's worst roadside zoos and animal attractions have closed down...

Orca Captivity Banned in Ontario
In 2017, Ontario banned the keeping of orcas in captivity (with the exception of a single orca still maintained in an aquarium).
End to Cetacean Captivity at the Vancouver Aquarium
We helped to put pressure on the Vancouver Aquarium which, in 2018, announced an end to putting captive cetaceans (whales, dolphins, and porpoises) on display.
Use of Elephants in Entertainment Banned in Toronto
We have worked to pass bylaws in Toronto to stop the use of elephants for entertainment and promotions in the city: a largely successful endeavor. Our Canadian representative has spoken with politicians, worked with an organization called Zoocheck to write briefs, and spoken out at City Hall to protect these animals. Learn more about elephants »
 

Latest News and Work

Born Free USA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. EIN 94-6187633.