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EXOTIC ANIMAL ACTS IN A CIRCUS - COMMUNITY SUGGESTION
The Community Services Committee met and discussed the memorandum from G. Allison, Director of Building and By-law Services dated April 18, 2016 concerning the Exotic Animal Acts in a Circus - Community Suggestion. Ms. McAlpine, City Clerk/Director of Legislative and Court Services explained that a community suggestion through the Community Suggestion Forum was received regarding exotic animal acts in a circus and that the suggestion received the required number of votes to initiate a memorandum from City staff. Ms. McAlpine reviewed the content of the memorandum and explained that circuses are required to have a Business Licence to operate within the City of Barrie. She noted that the Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is notified when a circus is in town and Municipal Law Enforcement staff inspect the premise. She commented that some municipalities are reviewing their current by-laws that are associated with circuses.
Two individuals (Audrey McClure and Julie Woodyer of Zoocheck Canada Inc.) provided comments regarding exotic animal acts in a circus as follows:
• Details regarding how other municipalities are handling exotic animals in a circus;
• The importance of education and awareness concerning the treatment of exotic animals in some circus environments;
• Banning the use of exotic animals in circuses and other travelling animal shows;
• The role of Zoocheck Wildlife Protection Charity; and
• The danger created by certain training methods for animals.
Members of the Committee asked several questions related to the information provided and received responses from City staff and the representative of Zoocheck Canada Inc. (16-G-096) (Item for Discussion 8.2, May 2, 2016) (File: P00)