LOS ANGELES (CNS) - The Los Angeles City Council's Personnel and Animal Welfare Committee advanced a proposal today that would ban the use of exotic animals for entertainment purposes.
``The issue of wild, exotic animals being abused came to my doorstep four years ago, when a baby giraffe and elephant were being marched up the Hollywood Hills for a house party,'' said Councilman David Ryu, who authored the proposed ban.
``This is beyond unacceptable, and we must end it,'' he said. ``It is time that the city of Los Angeles takes action to make clear that treating animals in this way is not in line with our city's values.''
Wildlife conservationists who obtain applicable permits and the Los Angeles Zoo, which exhibits animals for educational purposes but do not require them to perform tricks, would be exempt from the ban.
According to Ryu's motion, exotic animals such as elephants, giraffes and lions have been brought to lavish house parties in the Hollywood Hills for years.
The draft proposal would prohibit the use of wild or exotic animals at house parties, venues and other live entertainment. It would also ban wild and exotic animals from being ridden or used for other entertainment purposes, whether or not a fee is charged.
For the proposal to become law, it needs approval from the full council and the mayor.