One Arizona county is taking steps of its own to end use of animals in traveling circuses. It comes after U.S. Rep. Raul Grijalva introduced legislation on the subject late last month.
Joined by Republican co-sponsor Ryan Costello of Pennsylvania and others, Grijalva reintroduced legislation, originally proposed in 2016, to end the use of wild and exotic animals in traveling circuses.
Now, Mohave County is taking steps of its own, voting 3 to 2 this week to send an ordinance banning traveling circuses to the County Attorney’s Office for review.
County Supervisor Steve Moss said he voted for the ban after meeting with animal rights groups. Fellow Supervisor Buster Johnson opposed, questioning if the county has the authority to ban circuses.
According to Animal Defenders International, 60 U.S. cities and counties have restricted or banned the use of animals in traveling circuses.
The proposed ordinance would not affect rodeos, animal sanctuaries or shelters.
