Elephant acts nixed in state

ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo on Thursday signed into law the Elephant Protection Act, which prohibits the use of elephants in entertainment acts, including circuses, carnivals and parades.

“The use of elephants in these types of settings is dangerous to their health and potentially abusive,” Cuomo said. “The Elephant Protection Act furthers this administration’s efforts to fight animal cruelty, and create a stronger, more humane New York.”

The act was adopted by the Legislature in the spring in response to reports of cruel treatment of elephants by circus trainers.

Cuomo also announced the start of a $5 million “Companion Animal Capital Fund,” to help nonprofit and municipal animal shelters upgrade their facilities.