City bans exotic animal shows, including elephants, zebras

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — A northern New Jersey city is banning performances of some exotic animals, including elephants and zebras, with the aim of targeting circuses.

The Jersey Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2cGYssZ ) Jersey City's City Council passed the law Wednesday night. It prohibits circuses on private property, as well as wild and exotic animal performances at fairs, petting zoos and carnivals, among others.

Educational institutions are exempt, as are cows and donkeys.

The Humane Society of the United States has praised the move, saying circus animals are often confined for extended periods of time and are frequently abused.

A spokesman for Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey's circus has called the bill "political grandstanding" and says the animals aren't mistreated.

Bergen County adopted a similar law in July that restricts such shows on county property.

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Information from: The Jersey Journal , http://www.nj.com/jjournal