Friends of Animals and Advocates Gather at City Hall
NEW YORK, New York–On Tuesday, June 12th, the steps of City Hall were filled with animal advocates calling to ban animal acts in circuses in New York City.
Council Member Rosie Mendez revealed her newly proposed legislation to the press, and a crowd of supporters including Friends of Animals, the League of Humane Voters of New York City, and several other groups and residents of New York City.
Council Member Mendez, a Democrat who represents the 2nd Council District of Manhattan, spoke with conviction about her dedication to getting her legislation banning wild animals from circuses in New York City passed in the City Council, and roused the crowd with her progressive stance against animal exploitation.
Broadway’s Nellie Mckay also passionately addressed the press in support of the ban, as did television star Grant Aleksander, and representatives of several animal advocacy organizations.
John Phillips, executive director of League of Humane Voters of New York City, who organized the press conference, gave on overview of the exploitation of wild animals in the circus, and Edita Birnkrant, NYC Campaign Coordinator for Friends of Animals spoke to the press and crowd of supporters about the experience of the animals in the wild versus in captivity in the circus.
Recommended Action for Residents of New York City:
- Urge your Council Member to support the legislation banning wild and exotic animal acts in NYC. Let them know that in an enlightened society no animals would be expected to do tricks for the public.
- You can find out who your Council Member is, and get their contact information by going to: http://www.nyccouncil.info
- You can also find the council member representing your district, and information on their voting record through the League of Humane Voters of New York City, http://www.humanenyc.org
- Contact NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg at www.nyc.gov or call 311 and leave a message telling him you strongly support the effort to ban wild animals from circuses in New York City.
