We, the undersigned respectfully petition the Gold Coast City council to:

Change its laws so that circuses cannot use or keep exotic animals on lands under the control of Council.

We believe Council should ensure activities on Council land meet community standards and object to the use of exotic animals in circuses for the following reasons:

The keeping and use of exotic animals by circuses is a cruel and inhumane practice that is contrary to:

- the values of our civilised society;

- proper keeping of animal practices; and

- the appropriate use of Gold Coast parks

Circuses do not provide a natural environment. Also, unacceptable is the time spent on the road in cramped wagons, travelling for months on end. With lifetimes largely confined to cramped, barren cages, when not 'training' or 'performing', circus animals are prevented from exhibiting natural behaviours and are forced to perform demeaning, sometimes dangerous tricks, in circumstances that are stressful and frightening for them.