Jersey City To Propose Law That Will Ban The Use Of Animals In Circuses And Parades
Final vote could prevent the exploitation of countless animals for entertainment.
Jersey City, NJ has moved along a proposed law that would ban the use of animals in circuses, trade shows, petting zoos, carnivals, parades, and other events in which they would be forced to perform, fight, or give rides. The measure—the first of its kind in New Jersey—received enough support to be pushed forward to a final vote in September at a City Council meeting this week, where Councilman Rich Boggiano, one of two dissenting votes, called the proposal unnecessary and a “joke.” Jersey City mayor Steve Fulop took to Facebook to express his support of the ban. “We had a circus recently visit Hudson County with elephants and other circus animals which really bothered me,” the mayor said. “I know there are other things in Jersey City that impact lives which are a priority, and we are working on those everyday from crime to education to parks, but … town by town we want to convince my fellow mayors to ban this until there is a complete ban in [New Jersey] from using circus animals.” A final vote is expected September 14.