Advocacy group wants Charlotte to ban circus animal acts, tethering

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Dozens of advocates attended Tuesday night's Charlotte City Council meeting, demanding a ban on animal tethering.

The animal welfare advocacy group made many outbursts as council members discussed the issue, and the crowd even booed city leaders inside the Government Center.

Currently, the Charlotte City Council allows tethering if certain requirements are met, such as the type of chain and age of the dog.

[Residents call for change in Charlotte's animal tethering ordinance]

Asheville has banned the practice and the advocates want to see the same thing in the Queen City.

"The biggest thing is, we have to speak for those who can't speak for themselves," advocate Holly Newton said.

Universoul Circus told city council they are opposed to the exotic animal ban, but advocates point to the possible mistreatment of animals and a threat to public safety.

"The biggest thing is we have to speak for those who can't speak for themselves," Newton said.

Tether complaints are down in the city.

Some council members, including LaWana Mayfield, want to make sure any tethering ban won't negatively affect people who are on fixed incomes.

"It would be helpful to know the impact on lower-income communities," Councilwoman Mayfield, D-District 3, said.

City leaders sent the issue to staff members for reports and recommendations on how they should move forward.

Animal Care and Control will produce a report on tethering and the city manager will come up with recommendations for the circus animal issue.

Group calls on Charlotte leaders to ban exotic animals for entertainment

By Anthony Kustura/ WSOC-TV

One advocacy group protests nearly every visiting circus that brings exotic animals such as elephants, zebras and camels to Charlotte.

You don't have to have these animals in Charlotte to have a good circus," said animal advocate Toni Castorino.

[Going dark: Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus brings down curtain, ends century-long run]

She cites possible animal cruelty as well as danger to the public.

The proposed ordinance doesn't call for violations or penalties if circuses bring exotic animals, but they do want them banned for entertainment purposes.

"If they work together, you have a controlled population of animals and people. They can work something out," said Zamontez Anderson.

Some residents say the city could be stricter, but an outright ban is not the answer.

"I don't feel like the city has the right to say if there should be animals or not," said Ja'marquis Young-Dozier.

Other cities -- and entire states -- have banned the use of animals in circuses. California banned the practice last month, while both New Jersey and Hawaii passed statewide laws earlier this year.

Two other states are considering similar bills.

In North Carolina, Asheville, Chapel Hill and Orange County already have restrictions in place.

"Charlotte is not the first, but we certainly should not be the last," said Castorino.

Staff members with the city will create a report and recommend what to do next.

Cox Media Group