Dear Editor,

We at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) applaud the Burlington City Council members who made the compassionate, prudent decision to ban exotic animal acts from Burlington. The ruling will not only increase public safety in Burlington, it will also help educate others about the cruel training and confinement that brings so much misery to elephants, big cats and other animals.

Burlington joins a growing number of progressive communities, including Pasadena, Calif.; Encinitas, Calif.; Rohnert Park, Calif.; Stamford, Conn.; Hollywood, Fla.; Lauderdale Lakes, Fla.; Quincy, Mass.; Revere, Mass.; Provincetown, Mass.; Takoma Park, Md.; Port Townsend, Wash.; Braintree, Mass.; Boulder, Colo.; Orange County, N.C.; Richmond, Mo., Greenburg, N.Y., and Redmond, Wash., that prohibit exotic animal acts.

Innovative, animal-free circuses, such as such as Cirque du Soleil, Flying High Circus, Lazer Vaudeville, Circus of the Kids, and New Pickle Circus, among others, dazzle audiences with human acrobatics and performances worthy of awe and admiration. A complete list of animal-friendly circuses can be found on Circuses.com.

Sincerely,

Heather MooreStaff WriterPeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)501 Front StreetNorfolk, VA 23510