From the Eureka Springs Independent:

http://eurekaspringsindependent.com/single_story.asp?StoryID=7880

Council votes down circus ban; issue continues

Nicky Boyette

Wednesday, November 12, 2014

At Monday’s Eureka Springs City Council meeting, supporters of the proposed ordinance which would prohibit “traveling exotic/wild animal exhibitions” from performing in town made their case, but council voted 4-2 against approving the second reading, so the ordinance failed. Nevertheless, the ordinance is not dead yet.

During Public Comments, Melissa Greene reminded council of Gandhi’s observation that the greatness of a nation can be judged by the way it treats its animals. She did not fault those who brought the circus to town, but she said the proposed ordinance represents what Eureka Springs is all about. She exhorted council to say no to animal abuse by approving proposed Ordinance 2219.

Rachel Brix displayed photos from last week’s Carson & Barnes performance at Lake Leatherwood City Park and stated, “We got very lucky.” She pointed out situations in which Carson & Barnes had no barriers between patrons and the elephants, a circumstance for which the circus has been cited in the past.

She also pointed out in the photos a trainer who has previously been cited for animal abuse. “We paid for an abuser to be here,” she said. “This is ridiculous.” She said these wild animals do not belong in this country sitting on stools for entertainment of the public.

Alderman Mickey Schneider had a different perspective. She told council, “This is most definitely a personal rights issue.” She claimed no one on council was an expert on this topic, and “no one has the right to tell the people ‘Tough toenails – it’s my way or the highway.’” She stated most assuredly the city would be sued if the ordinance passed, though her opinion was the only proof she offered.

Alderman Joyce Zeller said she did not see a problem. She said she had heard from citizens who did not want wild animal shows in town, but if citizens did not like the ordinance, they would in true Eurekan fashion walk a petition against it.

Alderman David Mitchell said he was comfortable with City Attorney Tim Weaver’s ordinance.

Alderman James DeVito said the bigger issue was not about circuses. He said people feel strongly about animal rights. In this unique city, there is a no-kill animal shelter, a big cat rescue center and a dog adoption program. He said the bigger point was about the dignity of animals that do not need to be dragged around the country. “Circuses are on the way out,” according to DeVito, “and there’s a reason for that.” He cited the unnatural treatment of animals, and asserted the ordinance deserved council’s approval on its second reading.

Schneider adamantly insisted that citizens want the right to have circuses here, and asked, “Why is anyone afraid to let the people vote?”

Schneider, Mitchell and aldermen Dee Purkeypile and Terry McClung voted No.

Mitchell then said he wanted the ordinance put back on the agenda for the next meeting.

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