The ordinance was proposed to address concerns about animal welfare and the ethical implications of using wild animals in entertainment. The ordinance, which was later adopted by the town, aimed to protect animals from exploitation and ensure their well-being. It specifically targeted the use of elephants, tigers, lions, and bears in circuses.
She said eight states and 200+ localities across the country had already banned these type of acts, including Stamford and Bridgeport in Connecticut. Detailed Text:
At their May 9 meeting, the Board of Selectmen voted unanimously 3-0 to approve the ordinance. From there, the ordinance would need approval of the 230-member Representative Town Meeting, and the Sept 16 RTM agenda includes the proposed ordinance as item 17 on the call. However, there have been signals that the ordinance may not pass at RTM. On Friday morning State Representative Steve Meskers (D-150), noted during a radio interview with Tony Savino on WGCH 1490am that the RTM’s time was valuable, and described the ordinance as “feel good legislation.” Later that morning, during his call-in radio show on WGCH 1490am, Fred Camillo said he knew the ordinance would not pass.
Camillo went on to say that the public is not ready for the changes that would come with implementing such a system. The need for public education and awareness, he said, is paramount. The public needs to be educated on the new system’s functionality, benefits, and potential risks. This education should be comprehensive and multi-faceted, involving various platforms and mediums.
* Kim Blank, a member of the RTM in district 7, submitted an email opposing item 17 on the September 16th call. * The email was sent to the all-230 RTM distribution list. * The email stated that item 17 was not in the best interest of the community.
This statement highlights the complex ethical considerations surrounding animal welfare and the diverse range of opinions on how to address these issues. The statement also suggests that the draft ordinance might be addressing the ethical dilemma of euthanizing feral cats, a practice that is often controversial. The statement further emphasizes the importance of considering the perspectives of all stakeholders, including those who oppose certain practices, such as the consumption of animal products or the use of leather and fur.
She described the situation as “an example of a bad trend of external interest groups taking up RTM time to advance their own agendas.” Finally, she said, the process for debating and amending ordinances is very cumbersome, and the RTM’s time would be better spent on more vital issues or on shorter meetings. Monday’s RTM meeting will take place at Central Middle School, but can be viewed via Zoom starting at 8:00pm. Click here for Zoom link to RTM meeting on Sept 16, 2024 at 8:00pm. ### See also: Proposed Ordinance Would Ban Traveling Circuses with Wild Animals March 17, 2024
*ITEM 17 on the call is, “Amend Code Chapter 4, Health to add Article 12 – Traveling Animal Act Item 17. To consider and act upon the following resolution. WHEREAS, to prohibit the performance of certain animals in traveling animal acts; RESOLVED, that the Representative Town Meeting amend Chapter 4, Health to add a new Article 12 as follows: ARTICLE 12 Traveling Animal Acts 1. 4-143 Purpose. – The provisions of this Article shall have the intent of promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the Town’s inhabitants; preventing animal cruelty and detriment to animal welfare; and protecting the local environment.
2. 4-144 Definitions. • As used in this Article, the following terms shall have the meanings indicated: (a) Covered animal means any of the following animals, and hybrids thereof: (A) The following Artiodactyla: giraffe, Bactrian camel, dromedary camel, pygmy hippo; (B) Canidae, including any hybrids thereof, but excluding domestic dogs; (C) Crocodilia; (D) The following Elasmobranchii: lemon sharks, nurse sharks, rays: (E) Elephantidae; (F) Felidae, including any hybrids thereof, but excluding domestic cats; (G) The following marsupialia: kangaroo, wallaby; (H) Non-human primate; (I) Otter; (J) Perissodactyla, excluding domestic horses, ponies, donkeys, or mules; (K) Pinnipedia; (L) The following Procyonidae; coatimundi, kinkajou, raccoon;
(M) Skunk; (N) The following ratites: ostrich, emu (O) The following Rodentia: capybara, Patagonian cavy; (P) Sea lion; (Q) Sloth; (R) Ursidae; (S) The following Viverridae: binturong, civet, genet; and (T) Zebra (b) Mobile or traveling house facility means a transporting vehicle such as a truck, trailer or railway car, used to transport or house animals while traveling for exhibition or other performance. (c) Performance means any exhibition, public showing, presentation, display, exposition, fair, animal act, circus, ride, trade show, petting zoo, carnival, parade, race, or similar undertaking in which animals are required to perform tricks, give rides, or participate as accompaniments for the entertainment, amusement, or benefit of a
Traveling animal act definition. (a) Traveling animal act is defined as any performance of animals where such animals are transported to, from, or between locations for the purpose of such performance, in a mobile or traveling housing facility. This definition is consistent with the definition of a traveling show.
4. 4-146 Penalties. (a) Unless otherwise provided, any person who violates any provision of this Article shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) for each violation. (b) It shall be the responsibility of the offender to abate the violation as ordered by the Director. Each day’s violation shall be deemed a separate offense. 5. 4-147 Severability. If any section, subsection, paragraph, sentence, clause or phrase of this Article should be declared invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, for any reason whatsoever, such decision shall not affect the remaining portions of this Article, which shall remain in full force and effect, and to this end the provisions of this Article are hereby declared severable.
Section 2. This Article shall become effective six (6) months after its approval by the Representative Town Meeting.