The show will continue to go on. A majority of Vernon council ignored a recommendation from staff and lawyers Monday to prohibit exotic animals, including at circuses. “If we ban them in Vernon, they’ll just move to Armstrong. What does that serve?” said Coun. Bob Spiers of circuses. While some residents have urged the city to ban exotic animal acts, Coun. Jack Gilroy doesn’t believe opposition has been overwhelming. “If the public is so upset with elephants, they won’t go to the circus anymore,” he said. “I’m not taking my grandson to Africa to see an elephant.” The lone voice against exotic animal performances came from Coun. Buffy Baumbrough. “Yes it provides an opportunity to see them but there’s not a lot of context. There’s no educational opportunity to this,” she said of circuses. “The animals are living in stressful conditions and used for our entertainment.”
Much of the debate dealt with the fact that the provincial and federal governments have rules in place about exotic animals. “If the regulations regarding exotic species exist, those jurisdictions making the regulations need to do the enforcement,” said Coun. Shawn Lee. “There seems to be enough enforcement to make sure animals are controlled properly,” added Spiers. However, Baumbrough insisted there was a role for the city to play. “In terms of allowing a circus with exotic animals in your community, it’s up to the local jurisdiction,” she said.
Clint Kanester, bylaw enforcement manager, questioned whether senior government can address issues. “If there is a problem, how difficult will it be to get the province involved?” he said. Under the bylaw proposed by staff and lawyers, a number of exotic animals would have been banned, including primates, non-domestic cats and dogs, bears, elephants, all reptiles and amphibians more than two-feet adult size, mongooses, saltwater fish and tarantulas. Coun. Patrick Nicol was absent during the discussion
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