Public Hearing on the Animal Protection Amendment: Amazing

It was an AMAZING public hearing.  Thanks to everyone who participated, from our speakers to more than 100 of you who came to City Hall to show your support. Not only did we have tremendous expert and constituent testimony, but Council Members Ralph Remington, Cam Gordon, and Gary Schiff asked incisive questions of circus representatives and championed the need to prohibit wild animal circuses for public safety and to end our city’s support of animal abuse.  With a vote of 3-3, the Public Safety and Regulatory Services Committee advanced the Animal Protection Amendment to the full City Council.  The final vote will be on Friday, September 21, 2007, 9:30am at City Hall.

Our deep appreciation goes out to Minneapolitans who spoke with poise and compassion at the hearing:  Mary Britton Clouse, Nick Coughlin, Emma J., Bob Lewis, Michelle Lewis, and Stephanie Marshall.  We also had outstanding presentations by Carol Buckley, The Elephant Sanctuary; Don Elroy, The Humane Society of the United States; Howard Goldman, Minnesota Humane Society; Adam Roberts, Born Free USA; Tammy Quist, The Wildcat Sanctuary, and Dr. Michael Fox, veterinarian, author and Minneapolitan.  We can’t thank you enough. We were a powerful presence and there was no doubt as to the direction Minneapolis must take to be a progressive and compassionate city.