Bergen County freeholders OK ban on circuses
The action drew praise from members of the League of Humane Voters New Jersey chapter, who began the push for the ordinance nearly two years ago.
“This experience has reinforced my faith in you as public servants for using your power for good,” said Julie O’Connor, regional director for the League. “You will help put a nail in the coffin of animal abuse.”
The ban covers exhibitions, shows and performances on Bergen County property, such as the park. It does not bar circuses and similar animal shows on private property or on municipal property.
The ordinance specifies a dozen categories of animals, including tigers, kangaroos, snakes and elephants. It does not cover horses, dogs or other domesticated animals.
The new law also allows exceptions for zoos, wildlife sanctuaries, rescue centers and educational programs involving animals.
“I’ve been with you every step of the way,” said Freeholder Joan Voss. “I’m so happy we finally got this ordinance passed.”
Freeholder Thomas Sullivan asked that the ordinance be forwarded to every freeholder board in all New Jersey counties and to state legislators. Freeholder David Ganz also requested the ordinance be sent to each municipal clerk in all 70 municipalities in Bergen County.
“I think that this proves that government can work for the public, and we will be the first of 21 counties and, hopefully, that will provide the momentum you need to move the process along,” Freeholder Maura DeNicola said.
Freeholder John Felice was absent. He voted in favor of the ordinance at its first reading on July 13.
No member of the public spoke in opposition to the ordinance at either reading.
O’Connor and fellow League members led the effort shortly after protesting a Cole Brothers Circus held at Overpeck County Park about two years ago.
The ban may be the first in the Garden State, but it arrives in the midst of national debate surrounding the use of animals in entertainment.
Governing bodies in 22 states have enacted some form of restriction or ban on the use of exotic animals, according to the website Born Free USA, a non-profit animal protection organization.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus held their final elephant performance in May. The company cited economic concerns after numerous communities passed laws restricting training equipment involved in elephant acts. But the circus company will continue other types of animal performances.
The Bergen County ban also targets parades, carnivals and trade shows in which animals have no permanent residence or “are removed from their permanent residence for a period of more than 18 hours at a time for the purpose of performance or exhibition.”
The time constraint effectively halts traveling circuses, said Tavana Brown, general manager for Kelly Miller Circus.
The Oklahoma-based circus company held shows in 18 New Jersey communities in June, at least two in North Jersey.
Brown said in a previous interview that it was unfortunate that company’s such as hers, which follow rules, regulations and laws regarding the use of animals in such performances, are being punished alongside other companies that are ignoring the laws.
O’Connor said that the county-level ordinance is a first step and that she hopes this move will prompt other counties and municipalities to ban such shows until there is enough support to ban them statewide.
Rhode Island Becomes First State to Ban Cruel Elephant Training Tool.
Goal: Thank Rhode Island for banning the cruel elephant training tool, the bullhook.
Elephants used in the entertainment industry are often trained with an instrument called a bullhook. Bullhooks are long, sharp sticks with a metal hook at the end. They are often used to beat the elephants until they perform the proper trick.
While some cities and counties have already banned the use of bullhooks, Rhode Island is the first state to ban the weapon. This is in part due to public outcry and petitions like this one at ForceChange. Hopefully more states will follow in Rhode Island’s footsteps.
Sign this petition and thank Rhode Island for banning this cruel training tool. It is inspiring to see more laws being passed that protect the rights of animals.
