Should City Council ban dog-and-pony shows?

Wild or exotic animal exhibitions and performances are already prohibited here. Two city councillors want horses and dogs banned too

2016-06-03 Super Circus Spectacular DMH-12

A dog disguised as an elephant performs at the Super Circus Spectacular on June 3, 2016 at the city-owned Essar Centre. Donna Hopper/SooToday

The following resolution has been placed on the agenda of Monday's City Council meeting by Ward 3 councillors Judy Hupponen and Matthew Shoemaker.

The meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 4:30 p.m. Monday

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Animal exhibitions and performances

Mover: Councillor J. Hupponen

Seconder: Councillor M. Shoemaker

Whereas a bylaw to prohibit wild or exotic animal exhibitions and performances in the City of Sault Ste. Marie was passed Nov. 19, 2012; and

Whereas not included in the list of animals in Schedule “A” to bylaw 2012-2013, are domestic animals such has horses and dogs; and

Whereas travelling circuses claim that “positive reinforcement” is the method of training the animals used to entertain an audience; and

Whereas “positive reinforcement” for animals being trained in a circus endure varying levels of punishment, neglect and deprivation, with limited access to food and water; and

Whereas touring circuses cover thousands of miles a year, carrying animals from site to site in transports and cages with their only respite being rehearsals or performing; and

Whereas an animal is an animal regardless of whether it is classified as domestic or exotic;

Now therefore be it resolved that the existing bylaw be amended to include wild, exotic or domestic.

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