WILMINGTON -- The Cole Brothers Circus is in Wilmington for the Azalea Festival. But what you see in this show may be different in the future if a proposed statewide ban is placed on exotic animals.
One of the circus's feature attractions is Tina and Jule, two elephants that have performed with the circus for years.
Elephant trainer William Jacobs says the twin giants have been a target for animal rights groups, who say the exotic animals do not belong in the circus.
But Jacobs disagrees, saying, "You cannot judge people because of someone's misfortune. Elephants do live longer in captivity. Everybody just has their own opinion and facts on this topic."
The proposed legislation would ban most exotic animals from being kept as pets, in private zoos or in circuses. If passed, Jacobs says the elephants would be able to stay with the circus until they die but they cannot be replaced.
All animals need love
What are the animals going to the places going to do. They need love too. You are all worriedd about the implications of the people, what about he animals?
Are they safe? Are they fed? Are they loved? Then it ain't nonofyour business.
Valen PQ.A.
South Africa
Oppose Bans, we are a FREE Country
We live in the United States of America. "No State shall make or enforce any law which shall abridge the privileges or immunities of citizens of the United States; nor shall any State deprive any person of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law; nor deny to any person within its jurisdiction the equal protection of the laws." U.S. Constitution: 14th Amendment. Under the US Constitution animals are considered PROPERTY. We therefore have the right to possess any animal so long as it does not encroach on the rights of others. If someone is not in agreement with this then they need to leave the US or keep it to themselves. That is the reason we live in the US. FREEDOM!!!
Of course animals should be treated humanely, and those who abuse them punished accordingly to the fullest extent of the law. Most exotics in the US are bred in captivity, and ARE well cared for. It is these EXTREME animal rights groups that lead people to believe they are a threat simply because THEY feel we should not own one. I am tired of them spewing their rhetoric at everyone. If THEY don't want to eat meat, have pets, or use leather then THEY should not. BUT they need to stop trying to push their beliefs on everyone else and getting our government to remove OUR RIGHTS. They don't stop at pets people. Remember they don't want us to eat them, keep them as pets in loving homes...NOTHING. They rather them extinct than well-cared for.