... then the bad news Illinois city bans rodeos, circuses by one vote

[Update: ban overturned!]

By Cindy Schonholtz, Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association

In a three-to-two vote, the Woodstock, Illinois, city council passed a sweeping animal control ordinance that bans rodeos, circuses and many other animal activities in the city. The council was clearly swayed by animal rights propaganda and untrue statements. A similar ordinance was defeated in 1998 by a two-to-two vote, but one of the councilmen who voted against the ordinance is no longer on council. Councilwoman Ellen O'Rourke cast the deciding vote. The ordinance prohibits "paying for, planning, or promoting the involvement of an animal in an activity or event in which an animal is wrestled, fought or physically abused." The wrestling clause clearly outlaws steer wrestling. Another clause in the law makes illegal, "paying for, planning, or promoting or training an animal in any activity in which the animal is induced or encouraged to perform through the use of chemical, mechanical, electrical or manual devices in such a manner that causes physical injury, suffering, pain or death to such animal..." This provision could include just about anything from spurs and bits on horses to choke chains on dogs!

Woodstock has no animal control officers. Since the ordinance is so vaguely written, much is left completely up to interpretation by the police who will be enforcing the law. The prohibited animal clause clearly makes circuses with any elephants, tigers or other wild animals a thing of the past in Woodstock. Located about 50 miles from Chicago, Woodstock gained fame as the site for the filming of the movie Groundhog Day. Because of this they hold a Groundhog Day celebration each winter to see if the groundhog sees his shadow. This celebration is now illegal in Woodstock. Two clauses in the ordinance ban this event:

1. Prohibited animals include all those except small domestic animals kept as pets and large domestic animals (in properly zoned areas) and

2. No animals are allowed at all in the park on the square where the celebration occurs. It also looks like the free carriage rides Woodstock merchants offer at Christmas are out since no animals are allowed in the town square.

Illinois residents who enjoy animal related activities should be concerned about the precedent set in Woodstock. At the end of the meeting, an animal rights activist said, "See you in the next town." Illinois horse owners, rodeo participants, 4-H members and others who enjoy participating in or watching animal events should pay close attention to their local governing bodies. If laws restricting animal use arise, contact the NAIA office at (503) 761-8962 or e-mail nationaldirector@naiaonline.org.