New York has banned 'entertainment acts', such as circuses and parades, from using elephants in their shows.
Andrew Cuomo, the governor of New York, brought the Elephant Protection Act into law after it was passed by the state legislature in June this year.
The law takes effect in 2019, and anyone who breaks it could be slapped with a $1,000 (£758) fine for each violation.
Animal right charities have long called for the banning of elephants in entertainment acts saying that the animals are often treated cruelly by circus trainers. Animal rights campaign groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), have been quick to praise New York's decision, calling it a 'victory' for animals.
On Thursday, Cuomo tweeted: "Elephants will no longer to be subjected to this cruel abuse."
He told the New York Daily News: "The use of elephants in these types of settings is dangerous to their health and potentially abusive.
"The Elephant Protection Act furthers this administration's efforts to fight animal cruelty, and create a stronger, more humane New York."
State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, a sponsor of the ban, told NBC New York: "Elephants have been exploited and abused in entertainment acts for too long.
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"Confinement, torture and unhealthy living conditions have led to early death for these intelligent, gentle animals."
Brian Shapiro, New York state director for the Humane Society of the United States, said: "Elephants are a treasured species, and there is growing popular support for their protection."
Let's hope other states, and other countries, follow suit.
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Sources: NBC New York; Independent; New York Daily News
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Animal Rights, PETA, New York, elephants
