At a November 14 meeting in Rio Rancho, the City Council voted to approve animal ordinance amendments which will allow circuses to visit Rio Rancho.  The measure now goes to a second reading and final vote on December 12.

Circus Fans and other supporters are asked to contact the City Council and Mayor Thomas E. Swisstack to express your SUPPORT for amending their animal permit regulations regarding circuses. Residents of New Mexico (especially in the areas of Rio Rancho and Albuquerque) are especially encouraged to reach out to the City Council members.

Local circus fans were disappointed when some circus performances were cancelled earlier this year and moved to Albuquerque due to the wording of current city animal regulations.  As you know, traditional circuses with animals are already regulated by federal and state law in New Mexico. The proposed ordinance would make some changes that would ensure that common sense local regulations remain in place that will protect animals while still allowing lawful circuses with performing animals to visit Rio Rancho.  Of course the proposed changes are opposed by animal rights organizations and activists who are opposed to performing animals.

In your own words, please commend the City Council for their efforts to ensure that Rio Rancho families will continue to have the opportunity to enjoy the entertainment that traditional circuses with animals provide, which also provide a boost to the local economy in Rio Rancho.

Home page for the City Council of Rio Rancho: http://www.ci.rio-rancho.nm.us/index.aspx?nid=29

Main contact information:

3200 Civic Center Cir. NE

Rio Rancho, NM 87144

Phone: 505-891-5004

FAX: 505-994-2557

City Council members:

Chuck Wilkins                    CWILKINS@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

Patricia Thomas                pthomas@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

Tamara L. Gutierrez        tgutierrez@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

Mark Scott                          mscott@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

Timothy C. Crum              tcrum@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

Lonnie Clayton                  lclayton@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

Mayor Thomas E. Swisstack         tswisstack@ci.rio-rancho.nm.us

Thank you!