City Council - Marcia Johnson, Dist. 5
The "Circus Ban" survey July 10 through 12, 2004
*********************************************
CITY COUNCIL VOTED MONDAY JULY 12, 2004 12-0 TO SUPPORT RESOLUTION #49-2004 AND ENCOURAGE A NO VOTE ON INITIATIVE 100 WHICH WILL BE ON THE AUGUST PRIMARY BALLOT.
*************************************************
SURVEY QUESTION FOR DISTRICT 5
Shall the voters for the City and County of Denver adopt an ordinance prohibiting the display of wild or exotic animals for public entertainment and amusement, with exceptions for the Denver Zoo, Ocean Journey, the National Western Stock Show, and other accredited organizations?
SURVEY RESULTS (COMMENTS FOLLOW)
78% NO (97 votes)
17% YES (21 votes)
5% UNDECIDED (6 votes)
SURVEY COMMENTS
(N) Though we might find the stories of animal abuse troubling, this sentiment gives us no right to ban an event whose proprietors and employees are still beholden to domestic laws. Certainly we might take action against a particular activity for various and terrible brutalities, but to order the cessation of all such occurrences might be analogous to jailing all house hold cats because a Tiger in India took a swipe at some poor child.
(N) As long as the animals are well taken care of, I see no harm in allowing their display. More specifically, the circus (including the animals that are involved in the acts) is part of our country's heritage - to prevent our children from experiencing that would be a tragedy. Please do not support an initiative that would prevent the display of wild and exotic animals in the circus or other locations. There is more I could write about being involved in county fairs as a child, about my son enjoying the cockatiel/parrot shows where they ride bicycles, visiting the zoo, and riding miniature pony’s. Heavens - to pass such an initiative would be very very sad.
(N) Don't let the PETA malcontents make dumb policy for Denver. Tell them to go away. Thanks for your hard work, Councilwoman Johnson.
(N) In general I do not like the circus and do not approve of the display of wild or exotic animals for amusement or entertainment but I think the circus would just move to another town if it was only banned in Denver.
(N) This would seem to be a solution in search of a problem. It is a waste of time and effort that could be better spent on education, transportation, neighborhood development and homelessness.
(N) We have adequate laws and regulations to protect circus animals.
(N) I don't think the city should prohibit the circus. Many people enjoy going and it is a good family outing. If the animals are truly being mistreated, prohibiting the circus in Denver is not going to change that. The problem should be tackled some other way.
(N) The circus is an institution, leave it alone ... what's next - banning turkey farms because they are cruel! ... doesn't city council have more important things to talk about!
(N) Humane treatment and training of animals is important. It is difficult for one jurisdiction to take any action that would insure that happens. I would support frequent inspections and heavy fines for an activity that did not give humane treatment and training for animals. Having animals in addition to the zoo is a valuable learning opportunity for all.
(N) People can vote with their attendance and dollars, not by banning the activity.
(N) Circus is ok with inspections made.... no to other.
(N) Rather than approach this issue as a wholesale ban on such acts, we should specify what is intolerable treatment and criminally prosecute those who abuse these animals. We don't have so many shows here that we cannot monitor treatment.
(N) Unless there is strong evidence that the animals are being abused, the ban is uncalled for.
(N) Animal usage for entertainment is acceptable. It is important that the humans that do use animals treat them with care and common sense.
(N) This is going too far.
(N) Absolutely not.
(N) This seems to be too broad to exclude. Many of these may also be educational to kids.
(N) I think working to make them live up to a high standard would be better.
(N) What's next, we can't dress up our dog. People have a choice and if they do not want support these types of venues, then don't go see them. Individuals do more harm to animals than the circus.
(N) My answer is obvious in that I have a newborn child and want to be able to take her to the circus. I believe we have other laws in effect that would prevent the abuse of such animals and that would be my only concern.
(N) Unless there is proof these animals are being mistreated.
(N) We need to have & enforce good standards of care for these animals, but not ban the shows. We also need very strict penalties for abuse of all animals.
(N) The abuse of animals is always wrong. Denver probably already has passed many laws that prohibit any animal abuse. Just because the animals are in a circus, does not mean they are being abused. Please don't give in to the PETA pressure.
(N) circus is one of very few FAMILY activities that we still enjoy.. specially younger families that the city needs for its future and economic prosperity.
(N) I'd favor a resolution favoring humane treatment and prompt medical attention for animals that are displayed. But it is a slippery slope to go from banning the circus to the banning the zoo. The whole issue strikes me a radical PETA-like initiative that is far to the left of most democrats.
(N) I oppose any mistreatment of these animals. I think that they are probably treated as well as the animals at the Stock Show, so if that is an acceptable venue, why prohibit the circus?
(N) The argument for abuse is largely an emotional one.
(N) The Circus has always been a source of great entertainment and revenue for Denver. Additionally, Denver has never been cited for animal abuse or neglect. Keep the circus.
(N) As long as animals are not mistreated, I see no reason to ban their display or performance in any of the mentioned activities.
(N) There are several other nonprofit science organizations that provide education and information about wild animals through their outreach programs that include the exhibition of wild animals such as the Bluff Lake Nature Center, Audubon Society of Greater Denver, Rocky Mtn Bird Observatory, Rocky Mtn Arsenal Wildlife Society, Wild Bear Nature Center, Buffalo Bill Museum, Colorado Wildlife Federation, and Hawkquest.
Allowing only large institutions the ability to introduce the public to wild animals will limit the opportunities the public has to become familiar with and observe animals from the wild.
An ordinance should be written to make it open to all organizations that meet regulations and standards.
(N) While I personally find the treatment of animals in circuses and rodeos distasteful, it is not outrageous nor does it endanger the public. Only if it met one of these criteria should it be banned.
(N) Circuses are a very old tradition. If proper authorities monitor the care & safety of circus animals, I see no reason to ban display of these animals. Everybody loves a circus!
(N) I believe this initiative was started with good intentions, however, I don't believe that circus animals are treated poorly. From what I understand it is quite the contrary. This measure would merely mean that another municipality (like Aurora) would reap the benefit of sales tax revenues generated from such events.
(N) How about if we ban war and cruelty to human beings who disagree with us?
(N) I don't think they should ban it, but I think that an investigation as to the treatment of these animals while in each circus is vital. Not everyone will go to the zoo, so it is another way for children and others to be exposed to animals and gain an appreciation of them, as long as they are treated in a humane and careful manner.
(N) This issue was brought forth by groups outside of the Denver area and most of the support seems to be from outside Denver as well. If it passes, the circus will just be held in an adjoining county and we will lose the revenue.
(N) I agree that Initiative 100 is unnecessary and I will oppose it in the August 10, 2004 primary election.
(N) Does this mean the zoos and stock shows will close, too? There are many adults as well as children who have only a few opportunities such as a circus, the stock show or parades to see animals. Who determines what is wild and exotic?
(N) more prohibition is less freedom of choice
(N) I love animals, but I don't feel circus personnel violate animal rights.
(N) I do not feel government should get involved in this sort of thing. The circus has been an institution in our society for centuries and for the most part, the animals are cared for and loved. Many of us have pets. Is it unfair that we take dogs and cats and raise them as domestic animals? The circus brings joy and cheer to so many children. For many, it is the only contact the children get with animals, and I think that the circus can be a beneficial and educational tool. We do not ban zoos, and those institutions also harbor wild animals in captivity. I don't think City Council should be legislating that sort of thing. By the way, if you do ban the circus, they will simply go to the suburbs, so, what is it really going to accomplish?
(N) Good resolution to a bad idea.
(N) The animals must be treated humanely and not be subjected to performance requirements that stress them and go beyond their natural abilities.
(N) Believe that there is sufficient law to protect animals without confusion to the system. Eg. what about birds? Where does education and amusement meet?
(U) I believe that circuses project an image of animals that is derogatory. This is a terrible thing and we should explore a solution that would change the situation.
I do not however believe that a loosely worded resolution provides the solution.
(U) I'm uninformed, but I would tend towards regulation rather than prohibition. You rock Marcia. Thanks for soliciting feedback.
(U) I think the human performances at a circus can be very fun and entertaining for those who choose to attend, but I am against the routines that involve animals that should be living in wildlife sanctuaries if they cannot be in their native habitats.
(Y) Circuses are cruel to animals.
(Y) Denver should support compassionate entertainment and living.
(Y) I don't trust the management of circuses and believe the animals are not properly cared for. I actually have a difficult time seeing 'wild' animals in a zoo.
(Y) It is about time we stopped treating other animals as an entertainment form for humans. We can find other ways to entertain ourselves!
(Y) It's cruel and inhumane and it's time for our city to become a responsible and caring place. And while I'm being listened to, WE NEED A SMOKING BAN!!!
(Y) Because there are still too many shows that abuse animals. We need to think of the animals well being first and not ours. Animals were not put on this earth for us to take advantage of them. They are here for us to care for them so they have a good long life.
(Y) I think the display of animals for our amusement should be restricted to the organizations that are exempt from this ordinance. It still allows people to appreciate animals. More importantly I think it is cruel for wild animals to be housed in small enclosures that do not come close to their natural habitat. I have more confidence that permanent exhibitions are more likely to do the right thing for these wild animals considering they are easier to be regulated by city and state agencies.
(Y) This is a great way to communicate the issues... great job!
(Y) Not only should this be the case for Denver, but for our entire country.
(Y) I do not enjoy the circus, and neither do my children. Many people do. I do not think that the display of wild animals in these venues further our understanding of the species and the situations into which they are forced are unnatural. Cirque is doing quite well without subjecting animals to the stress of performing under the big top...
(Y) Exotic animals belong in their own natural habitats.
(Y) Before January I had no idea that the circus could be a bad thing, but making animals suffer and harming them just for our entertainment purposes is wrong and the city council should strive to keep this prohibition intact.
|