New York has banned the use of elephants in entertainment acts such as circuses and parades.

Governor Andrew Cuomo signed the Elephant Protection Act into law after it was passed by the state legislature in June.

Animal rights campaigners argue elephants used in performances are subjected to cruel treatment at the hands of circus trainers.

"Elephants will no longer be subjected to this cruel abuse," Mr Cuomo said in a tweet.

“The use of elephants in these types of settings is dangerous to their health and potentially abusive,” he added in a statement.

“The Elephant Protection Act furthers this administration’s efforts to fight animal cruelty, and create a stronger, more humane New York.”

The law, which comes into effect in 2019, comes with a legal penalty of up to $1,000 (£758) per violation.

India elephants with knitted jumpers Show all 9 1 /9 India elephants with knitted jumpers India elephants with knitted jumpers Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra, India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Phoolkali and Laxmi (left) watch while the final touches are completed. Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Phoolkali and Laxmi (left) watch while the final touches are completed. Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Phoolkali and Laxmi (rear) show off their jumpers. Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Phoolkali Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Phoolkali and Laxmi (rear) show off their jumpers. Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Suzy, (front) Phoolkali and Laxmi (rear) show off their jumpers. Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Suzy, (front) Phoolkali and Laxmi (rear) show off their jumpers. Roger Allen India elephants with knitted jumpers Elephant jumpers. Badly treated rescued elephants at the Wildlife SOS sanctuary outside Agra India with their newly knitted jumpers are on show for the first time, they are all effected by the cold after their ordeal at the hands of owners. Suzy, (front) Phoolkali and Laxmi (rear) show off their jumpers. Roger Allen

“Confinement, torture and unhealthy living conditions have led to early death for these intelligent, gentle animals,” Assemblywoman Amy Paulin, who sponsored the bill, said.

“Elephants will no longer be subjected to cruel treatment for our amusement."