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On October 20, 2016, the New York City Council, Committee on Health held a hearing on the proposed performing animal ban (Int. 1233). The Chairman and another sponsor of the bill, Rosie Mendez, were the only Councilmembers present during most of the meeting. It was made abundantly clear throughout the hearing that these two councilmembers were catering to the animal rights activists. It was also clear that the sponsors that this bill specifically intend to target only circuses. Representatives from Ringling Bros. including Tom Albert, Vice President of Government Relations; Alex Lacey, Big Cat trainer and presenter; and Dr. Ashley Settles, Director of Veterinary Care and other industry representatives testified in opposition to the bill. A video of the complete hearing can be found at: http://legistar.council.nyc.gov/MeetingDetail.aspx?ID=507388&GUID=BF30D7BA-C412-40F6-974B-9F8A4C45B99F&Options=&Search=#
No vote was taken on the bill during the hearing and no further action has been scheduled at this point. We do not know when a Committee vote will take place, if at all, but will keep you informed.
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