Circus ban falters in Eureka Springs

A plan to ban circus animals in Eureka Springs has apparently failed.

After the Eureka Springs City Council rejected the ordinance by a vote of 4-2 Nov. 10, Alderman David Mitchell said he would bring it back up at the Nov. 24 meeting. But at that meeting, Mitchell removed the item from the agenda.

Alderman James DeVito, who co-sponsored the ordinance, said the same ordinance can't be brought up again.

"The circus is a done deal," said DeVito. "I just don't see that coming back to the table even with a new council next year."

Rachel Brix, who owns a pet grooming shop in Eureka Springs, said she brought the circus issue to the council's attention because she's concerned that circus animals may be abused. About 50 cities in 21 states have bans, Brix said.

Carson & Barnes Circus of Hugo, Okla., had two performances in Eureka Springs on Nov. 5, in addition to several others in north Arkansas.

DeVito said it was the first time a circus had performed in Eureka Springs in 30 years.

Kristin Parra, an office manager for Carson & Barnes, said the circus animals are treated humanely. Traveling with the show are about 80 workers and 40 animals, including two elephants, camels and a llama, Parra said.

The circus performs in 220 cities a year.

Brenda Tenan, vice president of the Eureka Springs Carnival Association, had begun circulating a petition to take the issue to a public vote if the City Council passed the ordinance banning circuses.

-- Bill Bowden

NW News on 12/02/2014

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