Aldermen seek to ban 'animals displayed in circuses' in Somerville

[The Straight Story]

Aldermen seek to ban 'animals displayed in circuses' in Somerville

Somerville (MA)- Ward 6 Alderman Rebekah Gewirtz and Ward 1 Alderman Bill Roche submitted an order at Thursday's Board of Aldermen meeting asking the city solicitor to "draft an ordinance to ban wild animals from being displayed in circuses" in the city.

If passed, Somerville would join Revere, Quincy, Braintree, Weymouth and Provincetown in eliminating what they say is the abuse of elephants, tigers and other wild animals used in the circus.

Roche said the abuse includes restrictive caging and family separation. Gewirtz said the treatment of elephants is particularly offensive.

"In Somerville, where we promote humanity across the city, we should take a stance on this really important issue as soon as possible," Gewirtz said.

http://www.wickedlocal.com/somerville/news/x679399455/Aldermen-seek-to-ban-animals-displayed-in-circuses-in-Somerville

[JonLP24]

1. Hopefully this will end the abuses of circus elephants

[MADem]

2. Wheah da fuck are ya gonna display an elephant in Somerville???

Seriously....do they have a fairgrounds?

I agree with stopping abuse of animals, but I mean, really--do they set up a circus in the Home Depot pahking lot, or what? How many elephants have visted Summahville lately?

[TheCowsCameHome]

3. Don't the B&B circus trains tie up there when in Boston?

[MADem]

5. I dunno. Could be. Would they put the animal cars that far away?

I could see the residential cars, but that's a long way from the venue...

[TheCowsCameHome]

7. I think they march them to the Garden from the Somerville yards

If I'm not mistaken.

[MADem]

10. Well, if that's the case, that could be the end of that, eh? nt

[Mist]

4. Good. I hate the whole caged animals/performing animals thing. HATE it. nt

[Raine]

6. GOOD

I hope they can get this passed. :thumbsup:

[MasonJar]

8. Excellent! If you have not read the superb novel, Water for Elephants,

do yourself an enormous favor and read it. It is an incredible book and an unnerving look at circuses.

[blonndee]

9. Good! It's about time for ALL cities/counties/states to ban these cruel practices.