NYC Councilwoman sponsors ground-breaking bill prohibiting wild and exotic animal displays

NEW YORK - Oct. 20, 2016 - PRLog -- Animal Defenders International (ADI) applauds New York City Councilwoman and animal champion Rosie Mendez as she supports proposed local ordinance 1233 - to prohibit the display of wild and exotic animals for public entertainment or amusement. Councilman and co-sponsor Corey Johnson, Chair of the Council's Committee on Health, has scheduled apublichearing for the bill on October 20th. Councilwoman Mendez is hosting a press conference at City Hall ahead of the hearing.

What:   NYC wild animal display ban hearing in Committee on Health
When:      Thursday, October 20

Press conference: 9:15am

Hearing: 10:00am
Where:  NY City Hall, 260 Broadway, New York, NY 10007

·      Contrary to industry claims, federal oversight is complex & costly; it doesn't consider public safety; and as the agencies admit - it's not working.

·      These jobs don't live in New York City. This will not end NY's status as the world's most economically powerful city.

·      Human-performance circuses are popular; they require labor, create jobs, and bring dollars to your city without exposing citizens to chronically stressed and abused animals.

ADI was honored to work with CW Mendez's office and the city attorney on proposed language, and urges New Yorkers to lend their support online at     council.nyc.gov/html/members/members.shtml, to join the >2/3 of Americans troubled by the use of animals in this industry, the 60+ local US jurisdictions who've implemented some form of ban or restriction, and the 33 nations who've banned this use nationwide. Come along with ADI to the hearing on October 20^th at New York City Hall to testify in support of the bill and take interviews.

ADI President Jan Creamersaid "Animal Defenders International worked closely with Councilwoman Mendez's office on this effort and we know how determined she is to protect wild animals and the public from these cruel and dangerous acts. ADI has repeatedly documented the suffering and abuse of wild animals in circuses. Circuses simply cannot meet the needs of wild animals in small, mobile accommodation. We hope the good people of New York will join ADI on October 20th and speak up for animals in circuses."

ADI have announced a special New York City screening of their multi-award winning documentary 'Lion Ark' the story of the dramatic rescue and relocation of 25 lions from circuses in Boliviaand their inspirational journey to freedom, to rally support for the bill. The screening, which will feature a Q&A with Director Tim Phillips and Producer Jan Creamer, will be shown on November 10^th at UA Court Street 12 & RPX, Brooklyn. Tickets are available here:     www.tugg.com/events/lion-ark-hyxr

33 nations around the world have now banned either wild animals or all animals from traveling shows. It is time for the US to join this list. Despite assurances from the circus industry, the physical and psychological health of animals in circuses is inevitably compromised. Animals in circuses are routinely subjected to brutal training methods and violence – wherever ADI has conducted an undercover investigation around the world, it has documented acts of abuse. Animal circuses do nothing to teach people about the animals' real needs and the way they live, and have no role in education or conservation.

Earlier this year, ADI rescued over 100 animals from circuses and the illegal wildlife trade in Peru and Colombia, including lions, bears, tigers, monkeys and others. ADI and the governments of Peru and Columbia collaborated for the unprecedented Operation Spirit of Freedom campaign; animals were rehabilitated at the ADI rescue center and rehomed in their natural habitats, with 33 African lions returned to their native Africa to start a new life at Emoya Big Cat Sanctuary, where ADI is funding construction of their habitats and their care.

In NYC, support local ordinance 1233: on.nyc.gov/2dZIL2t

Push for the reintroduction of TEAPA, the bill that would secure a US wide ban: bit.ly/29J1uZa

Join the global campaign to Stop Circus Suffering: www.stopcircussuffering.com