KINGMAN — Circuses and other exotic animals performance could become illegal in Mohave County if county supervisors give their agreement.
The Board of Supervisors on Monday will look at a proposal to ban the use of exotic animals in circuses in Mohave County. If approved, the board would ask the county attorney to draft an ordinance to bring back to the board.
However, the Shrine Circus will be held in September, including Sept. 29 at the Mohave Crossing Event Center in Fort Mohave. The circus will also be held at the county fairgrounds in Kingman and in Lake Havasu City.
Exceptions to the ordinance would be given for rodeos, permanent accredited zoos or aquariums, an outreach program by an accredited zoo or aquarium, a college laboratory or research facility or the making of a movie or television show that does not include a live public performance.
The proposed ordinance also would not ban performances by domestic animals, veterinarian services, animal sanctuaries or shelters, or private ownership of animals.
District 4 Sup. Jean Bishop said that before television and the internet, the only way for children to see exotic animals was at circuses. Now, modern zoos or animal sanctuaries like Keepers of the Wild are respecting animals’ natural habitat.
District 1 Sup. Gary Watson said he does not support a ban on circuses.
According to Animal Defenders International, exotic animals travel in vehicles for long periods of time, causing diseases, stress and aggression. Unnatural groupings of animals also can have a negative effect on the animals.
The supervisors will meet at 9:30 a.m. Monday at the county administration building, 700 W. Beale St. in Kingman.