From the OC Register, Published: Aug. 22, 2012 Updated: 4:52 p.m:

Anaheim councilwoman wants ban on elephants in circus

After series of animal-rights activists address city officials, Councilwoman Lorri Galloway asks for city law banning exotic animals.

By ERIC CARPENTER / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER

ANAHEIM – A councilwoman is asking for a city law that would ban the use of exotic animals, such as elephants, for circuses and other entertainment – a request that could prevent Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus from bringing its annual show to Anaheim.

Councilwoman Lorri Galloway requested Tuesday night that an ordinance be drafted for consideration by the council at a later date.

The request came after several animal-rights activists attended Tuesday's meeting and alleged inhumane treatment of elephants by Ringling Bros., which wrapped up a 10-day run at the Honda Center earlier this month.

"What I've seen – the methods used to make a wild animal stand on its head for entertainment – has sickened me," Galloway said. "I know it's considered part of Americana to have elephants in circuses, but it's time for change.

"I think it would be a huge move for the city of Anaheim," Galloway added. "Other cities have bans on exotic animals, but they aren't Anaheim. They don't have the Honda Center. It would send a loud message."

Ringling Bros. officials have denied mistreating animals, saying their Asian elephants are watched over 24 hours a day by four, full-time veterinarians. The circus also is licensed and regulated by federal, state and local officials. Circus officials say the elephants are transported in ventilated, custom rail cars with a misting system and are well-fed and bathed daily by experts.

"It's the first we've heard of a potential ban and we strongly oppose it," said Tom Albert, vice president of government relations for Ringling Bros. "We are the oldest, largest, most famous circus in the world and animals, including elephants, are at the heart of what we do."

Anaheim, which owns the Honda Center, has been a regular stop for Ringling Bros. for many years, along with Los Angeles and Ontario. The annual 10-day run brings in money to local restaurants and other businesses.

Albert said Ringling Bros. estimates that a one-week run pumps $1 million into the city's economy.

"We operate in about 200 cities each year and it's not as simple as changing what we do for one city," he said.

Animal-rights activists applauded Galloway for taking what they say is a courageous stance and hope other council members will support her.

"It's definitely a great thing for the elephants and for Anaheim for them to make the compassionate choice and institute the ban on exotic animals," said Carney Anne Chester, an attorney for the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals Foundation. "The list of jurisdictions banning such acts is growing and Anaheim would be an important addition."

Galloway would have to win the support of at least two other council members for such an ordinance and it's unclear whether she could gain that support. The ordinance must be drafted and will come to the council for discussion, likely in September.

“I will carefully consider any (proposed) ordinance, but it is my understanding is that California has some of the most stringent regulations on (exotic) animal care anywhere,” said Councilwoman Kris Murray. “Those animals deserve to be treated safely and humanely. Any violations should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

“But it (Ringling Bros.) is not an Anaheim company, it’s a traveling company,” Murray said. “So it would seem to be best regulated on a state level.”

Galloway said she doesn't believe the ordinance would drive away the circus. She points to Circus Vargas and Cirque du Soleil as successful shows that don't use exotic animals.

"I think Ringling Bros. could do the same. They need to acclimate the same way," she said. "Children think 'circus' and they still want to come, whether elephants are in the show or not."

Contact the writer: 714-704-3769 or ecarpenter@ocregister.com

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