From NJ.com:

http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2016/08/jersey_city_anti-circus_bill_clears_hurdle.html

By Terrence T. McDonald | The Jersey Journal

on August 17, 2016 at 8:43 PM, updated August 18, 2016 at 9:22 AM

JERSEY CITY — A proposed law aimed at banning the use of circus animals cleared a procedural hurdle at tonight's City Council meeting.

The measure, which requires one more vote by the council before it is adopted, has spurred some heated debate between local animal lovers and circus fans. The ban, which would apply to performances of wild and exotic animals on public and private property, would be the first of its kind in New Jersey.

Councilman Rich Boggiano, who ridiculed the proposal as a "joke" and voted against introducing it tonight, called the measure unnecessary.

"I don't ever remember a circus in Jersey City except here at the City Council meetings," Boggiano said.

The measure was introduced 6-2-1. Boggiano and Councilwoman-at-large Joyce Watterman voted no, Councilman Frank Gajewski abstained from voting. A final vote on the measure will likely occur at the council's Sept. 14 meeting.

City spokeswoman Jennifer Morrill said the measure is intended to "prohibit cruel treatment of animals." Mayor Steve Fulop on Facebook last week called the proposed circus animal ban "a side project" of his.

"Town by town we want to convince my fellow mayors to ban this until there is a complete ban in New Jersey from using circus animals," said Fulop, a likely 2017 gubernatorial candidate.

The law would also ban trade shows, petting zoos, carnivals, parades and more in which wild and exotic animals are required to perform tricks, fight or give rides. A spokesman for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's circus has called the bill "political grandstanding" and denied that their circus animals are mistreated.

Four citizens spoke in favor of the proposed ban, including Jen Samuel, of advocacy group Elephants DC.

"You are insuring that New Jersey will continue to be a leader to help protect the innocent," Samuel said.

Julie O'Connor, of the League of Humane Voters of New Jersey, stressed to the council that the measure would not prohibit petting zoos because animals at petting zoos are not wild and exotic animals.

"What about a llama?" Watterman asked. "What category would that fall under?"

O'Connor said llamas are not considered wild or exotic.

Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook.