The Missoula City Council has been working to implement an ordinance that will ban wild and exotic animals from performing in acts throughout the city but there has been some hold ups in the process. We are asking that they pass this ordinance first to protect these animals from exploitation in any manner. The ordinance now faces two additional hearings and an uphill climb if it’s to become law in the months ahead. Read full story at http://missoulian.com/news/local/missoula-city-council-backs-down-on-banning-wild-exotic-animals/article_cd4923d4-2770-50c4-aa45-f26342871e72.html .
The majority of the people working on the proposed ordinance are in favor of the ban on wild and exotic animal performances and displays within the city. However, not all committee members were convinced to pass the ordinance. If not passed, wild and exotic animals are not protected from cruel and inhumane treatment, not to mention protecting the public. One of the advocates in favor of the ordinance stated that “The fact is that wild animals are forced to perform unnatural acts. Wild animals are always wild, and that’s where they belong, not chained in a trailer and moved from city to city.” Another person continued to say that “Elephants and large cats are broken to do what they do. Their training is necessarily unnatural and abusive.”
These animals were not meant to perform in the entertainment world; they are meant to live happily in their own natural habitat. We are supporting this ordinance and ask that you help us to encourage the Missoula City Officials to pass the ordinance in favor of protecting wild and exotic animals. You can help by signing and sharing this petition and be a voice for the voiceless.