Exotic Animals Banned In Circuses In Charlotte

CHARLOTTE, NC — The Charlotte city council banned the use of exotic animals in circuses in their Dec. 13 meeting at the behest of councilman Matt Newton.

Newton passionately argued that the use of exotic animals in circuses is "morally and ethically wrong."

According to PETA, the methods used to perform tricks can be cruel to the animals. "To force animals to perform, circus trainers abuse them with whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks (heavy batons with a sharp steel hook on one end), and other painful tools of the circus trade," PETA states.

In addition to Newton, Tariq Bokhari, Braxton Winston, Dimple Ajmera, Victoria Watlington and Larken Egleston voted for the ban.

According to WSOC, UniverSoul Circus will still have performances in Charlotte but use dogs and horses, which are not considered exotic.