🚀 go-pugleaf

Another anti-business democrat idiot.

ANAHEIM � A councilwoman is asking for a city law that would ban 
the use of exotic animals, such as elephants, for circuses and 
other entertainment � a request that could prevent Ringling 
Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from bringing its annual show 
to Anaheim.

Councilwoman Lorri Galloway requested Tuesday night that an 
ordinance be drafted for consideration by the council at a later 
date.

The request came after several animal-rights activists attended 
Tuesday's meeting and alleged inhumane treatment of elephants by 
Ringling Bros., which wrapped up a 10-day run at the Honda 
Center earlier this month.

"What I've seen � the methods used to make a wild animal stand 
on its head for entertainment � has sickened me," Galloway said. 
"I know it's considered part of Americana to have elephants in 
circuses, but it's time for change.

"I think it would be a huge move for the city of Anaheim," 
Galloway added. "Other cities have bans on exotic animals, but 
they aren't Anaheim. They don't have the Honda Center. It would 
send a loud message."

Ringling Bros. officials have denied mistreating animals, saying 
their Asian elephants are watched over 24 hours a day by four, 
full-time veterinarians. The circus also is licensed and 
regulated by federal, state and local officials. Circus 
officials say the elephants are transported in ventilated, 
custom rail cars with a misting system and are well-fed and 
bathed daily by experts.

"It's the first we've heard of a potential ban and we strongly 
oppose it," said Tom Albert, vice president of government 
relations for Ringling Bros. "We are the oldest, largest, most 
famous circus in the world and animals, including elephants, are 
at the heart of what we do."

Anaheim, which owns the Honda Center, has been a regular stop 
for Ringling Bros. for many years, along with Los Angeles and 
Ontario. The annual 10-day run brings in money to local 
restaurants and other businesses.

Albert said Ringling Bros. estimates that a one-week run pumps 
$1 million into the city's economy.

"We operate in about 200 cities each year and it's not as simple 
as changing what we do for one city," he said.

Animal-rights activists applauded Galloway for taking what they 
say is a courageous stance and hope other council members will 
support her.

"It's definitely a great thing for the elephants and for Anaheim 
for them to make the compassionate choice and institute the ban 
on exotic animals," said Carney Anne Chester, an attorney for 
the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation. "The 
list of jurisdictions banning such acts is growing and Anaheim 
would be an important addition."

Galloway would have to win the support of at least two other 
council members for such an ordinance and it's unclear whether 
she could gain that support. The ordinance must be drafted and 
will come to the council for discussion, likely in September.

�I will carefully consider any (proposed) ordinance, but it is 
my understanding is that California has some of the most 
stringent regulations on (exotic) animal care anywhere,� said 
Councilwoman Kris Murray. �Those animals deserve to be treated 
safely and humanely. Any violations should be prosecuted to the 
full extent of the law.

�But it (Ringling Bros.) is not an Anaheim company, it�s a 
traveling company,� Murray said. �So it would seem to be best 
regulated on a state level.�

Galloway said she doesn't believe the ordinance would drive away 
the circus. She points to Circus Vargas and Cirque du Soleil as 
successful shows that don't use exotic animals.

"I think Ringling Bros. could do the same. They need to 
acclimate the same way," she said. "Children think 'circus' and 
they still want to come, whether elephants are in the show or 
not."

Hey Lorri, you dumb bitch.  Parents ante up the money for the 
tickets, not children.

Contact the writer: 714-704-3769 or ecarpenter@ocregister.com

http://www.ocregister.com/news/elephants-369284-animals-
ringling.html