ASHEVILLE, N.C. -- Many people say life is a circus and you should enjoy the ride. But that's no longer possible at the U.S. Cellular Center following a policy change which bans signing on with promoters who include wild or exotic animals in their shows.
The U.S. Cellular Center's decision not to sign a two-year contract with their circus promoter has prompted the city to look at its current ordinance that involves animal cruelty.
The whole policy change is out of a concern for the welfare of those animals displayed in the circus.
Thousands have enjoyed circuses at the U.S. Cellular Center for years. But now that's a thing of the past and some people are upset about it while others support the ban, saying the circus animals are abused.
"It's kind of cruel to animals and I believe Asheville is not that way," Asheville resident David Erwin said. "I think we are more liberal-minded and want to see animals treated in the correct way."
"Some people say they are. Some people say they take good care of them, so what do I know?" Asheville resident Charlie St. Clair said.
"I'm disappointed," Asheville resident Chrissy Chandler said. "I really think there needs to be family friendly events here. And it always drew a crowd. Kids enjoyed it."
The center's general manager, Chris Corl, says the policy change was an administrative decision that calls for the venue to refrain from contracting with promoters that include any wild and exotic animals.
The city council says the center's decision was made out of a concern for the welfare of those animals, which city officials support.
"I do have concerns about cruel treatment of animals in circuses," Asheville Vice Mayor Marc Hunt said. "There is evidence out there of cruelty to circus animals by promoters."
So now a city ordinance that disallows animal cruelty in general could include banning circuses throughout the city. Council members were prompted in last month's meeting to review those ordinances. For now, no vote on the issue is scheduled.
As far as the U.S. Cellular Center goes, discontinuing this event could create unneeded financial woes.
"In our committee meeting, we did encourage staff to look at other family friendly events to fill that space in the venue," Vice Mayor Hunt said. "Were always looking for opportunities to have that perform better financially.
Corl added that the center is looking into circus acts that don't use wild and exotic animals.
Also, the general manager says this policy change does not affect Disney on Ice and Disney Live shows which they are still working on booking with the same promoter.
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