This post is brought to you by the SF SPCA.

Courtesy strangeorwhat.com.

A bear riding a bicycle in a pink tutu and muzzle is not natural, certainly not humane, and as of yesterday, not welcome in San Francisco.

Performances by wild animals and their commercial use for public amusement have been banned by a measure adopted in a unanimous consent by the San Francisco board of supervisors, and will take effect May 21st 2015. While great progress has been made with several other cities passing bullhook bans to protect elephants and a statewide ban in the works, this measure will protect even more animals from exploitation. Supervisor Katy Tang, who proposed this bill explained, “We want to address the inequalities for a population that can’t speak for themselves.”

This ordinance faced tough opposition from the film industry, but we stood firm in not making exemptions for these powerful opponents. Supervisor Katy Tang commented, “We don't want to undermine the underlying message of our legislation that animal abuse is not going to be tolerated.”

San Francisco has a rich history of pioneering animal rights, and is looked to as one of the most progressively humane regions in the nation. Not only is this a positive move for our city, but opens the conversation for similar ordinances state and nationwide.

Learn more about the Ban on Performances by Wild or Exotic Animals here.