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WeHo Eyes Ban On Exotic Wild Animal Displays

Kangaroo
There will be no kangaroos - or bears or giraffes or nearly two dozen other animals - allowed for exhibits in WeHo under proposed legislation. (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images)

WEST HOLLYWOOD (CBSLA.com) — The circus may never again be coming to West Hollywood.

KNX 1070's Pete Demetriou reports the City Council is scheduled to consider a ban on all commercial or other displays of exotic wild animals for entertainment purposes.

WeHo Eyes Ban On Exotic Wild Animal Displays

Council members Jeffrey Prang and John Duranby introduced the legislation aimed at protecting animals used in circuses, carnival acts, trade shows and parades from "cruel and inhumane treatment," according to documents. Any exhibits or demonstrations for educational purposes or for groups of 20 or fewer people would be exempt from the ban.

Nearly two dozen animals would be prohibited under the legislation, including bears, badgers, giraffes, kangaroos, and armadillos — a diverse list that left some residents scratching their heads.

"I think it's probably pushing it," said one man. "Now I can't walk my armadillo or my tapir."

Film productions using the affected animals would also be exempt due to existing rules that allow the American Humane Association to oversee the use of animals on any Hollywood set.

West Hollywood has a history of adopting legislation in favor of animal rights.

In 2011, WeHo became the first U.S. city to ban the sale of fur. It also voted to prohibit the retail sale of cats and dogs citywide in 2010.

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