Do we want to add extra permits and fees on exhibitors?

The Law and Legislation Committee of  the City of Sacramento proposed an ordinance amendment that would regulate animal exhibitions and give the Animal Care and Services a lot of power over animal exhibitors.

The Committee placed the matter on the City Council Agenda for July 13.  The Council discussed the proposed ordinance amendments and put off additional action on the matter to the July 20, 2010 meeting.

This ordinance covers wild animals as well as domestic animals in "commercial" animal exhibitions and requires a permit for all animals to be obtained at least 30 days prior to the scheduled performance or event. The language indicates that dog and cat shows are exempt from these regulations.

Application must be made on a form provided by the Animal Care Service Manager and must be accompanied by payment of the permit fee.

Permits will be issued upon submission of the completed application, the payment of the permit fee and proof of insurance coverage.

This ordinace gives the Animal Care Services Manager the authority to create regulations on the exhibitors to insure "proper and humane treatement of all wild and domestic animals displayed" and to protect the safety of the public attending the event.

The ordinance gives authority to the Animal Care Services Manger or his designee "to inspect any commercial animal exhibition to insure proper and humane treatment of all wild and domestic animals" at all times during the dates of the permit.

This ordinance is likely to have an effect on the exhibit or performance event of all sorts of animals, from horses in rodeos, to elephants in circuses, and many other species of animals at special shows or other events.

While humane care is always of utmost concern with regard to animals in exhibits and events, it is equally important that all regulations with requirements and prohibitions are clear instead of vague, so that those responsible for enforcement are able to be consistent in their oversight and those being regulated understand the requirements they must meet.

Go here to read the original proposed ordinance amendment and the proposed revisions to that amendment (pages 23 and 24), and supporting documents.

While the national animal event organizations affected by this ordinance do not support the original proposed ordinance amendment, they have indicated that they can accept the revised version since these proposed revisions will incorporate existing California state law and regulations regarding performing animals, and thus ensure both clarity and consistency in regulations.

Please send an email message to the Council Members of the City of Sacramento, see below.

Mayor Kevin Johnson is not on the email list.

His phone number: 916-808-5300.

Fax Number for all Council Members: 916-264-7680.

City of Sacramento, 915 I Street, Sacramento, CA 95814-2604

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