GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich could join a growing list of municipalities around the country to ban traveling acts and exhibits from using specific wild animal species within town limits, like elephants, primates, big cats, bears and giraffes, among others.
The Board of Selectmen on Thursday heard a brief proposal from Annie Hornish of the Humane Society of the United States’ Connecticut Chapter, and Laura Hagen, the director of captive wildlife for the Humane Society.
First Selectman Fred Camillo said he knew Hornish from his time as a state representative.
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“This is something that’s debated a lot in Hartford. She asked me a while ago if she could bring this to the town. We’re always open for discussions on anything,” Camillo said.
Hagen walked the board through reasons why the ordinance is being brought forward.
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“We’ve asked Greenwich to pass this ordinance because what we know now after decades of research, we have a wealth of information about the rich and varied lives of animals that are used in circuses, which range from everything from sloths and kangaroos to tigers, bears and elephants,” Hagan said. “In the wild, these animals naturally lead very dynamic and autonomous lives, and it’s really clear that life in a traveling show can just be nothing but misery for these animals who, even though they’re captive, still remain wild.”
There would be an exemption in the ordinance for brick-and-mortar facilities that may already house wild animals and keep them on-site without traveling.
There has also been a shift in the public’s perception of these traveling shows and exhibits, Hagen said.
“What’s become really clear is that people don’t want to see these shows anymore, they don’t want them in their communities. That desire has translated into public policy,” she said.
Eight states and nearly 200 municipalities across the country, including Stamford and Bridgeport locally, have already passed similar measures regarding traveling acts, Hagen noted.
Acts and exhibitors themselves have also changed the way they operate, notably Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, which used live, wild animals for over 150 years.
“[They have] completely revisioned and relaunched its circus into a human-centric spectacular that has been really receiving rave reviews, and they actually have 12 performances coming up in Connecticut in May completely animal-free,” Hagen said.
However, there are still exhibitors and smaller acts who tour the country and showcase wild animals, Hagen added. The animals are packed up and moved from place to place, and are forced to perform and often interact with the public which poses health and safety risks.
“While more localities and states are taking action on this issue, what we’re finding is that it’s important to close every door that remains open to these types of exhibits,” Hagen said.
Camillo, a Greenwich native and noted animal lover, said he could not remember a circus ever coming to town, but Wendy Dziurzynski of the Greenwich DAR Horseneck Chapter, who was in attendance Thursday, said she remembered seeing circuses and tigers in carts set up in the field near her home on Arch Street in the 1980s.
The board did not take any action on the item, as is customary for a first read. The selectmen could revisit the proposed ordinance in two weeks to allow time for public feedback.
“This is certainly something that’s going to attract some discussion,” Camillo said.
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