To enact a circus animal by-law to prohibit performances involving wild or exotic animals in our municipality.
Here in BC, and across Canada, many municipalities have passed by-laws that prohibit circuses with wild and exotic animals from performing in their communities. Prince George needs to do the same. Changes need to be made to municipal bylaws to ensure the abuse of performing animals stops and public safety is upheld.
Please consider that:
25 jurisdictions in Canada have enacted a by-law prohibiting wild or exotic animals
circus animals which are not confined to cages may often be chained or tethered up to 90% of the time
veterinarians, biologists, and animal welfare organizations have condemned the use of exotic and wild animals in circuses
Between 1990 and 1998, circus elephants have been involved in over 60 incidents of wounding or killing their handlers or spectators
circuses are not a proper educational venue not only removing animals from their natural ecological context conveys a negative educational message, often these animals become endangered species because of the wildlife trade
