THE BALLOON MAN

City Councilors rethink circus appearance in city

Mike Orazzi | Staff 

Bristol City Fire Chief Jon Pose talks about the permitting process in order for the Cole Bros. Circus to approved during Tuesday night's city council meeting in Bristol.

By STEVE COLLINS

STAFF WRITER

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

BRISTOL — City councilors said Tuesday they may not let a circus come to town this summer.

After expressing concern about alleged mistreatment of circus animals, city Councilor Henri Martin said he is not sure “we really want to promote that type of entertainment in the community.”

Representatives of PETA contacted city leaders in recent days to urge them to reject the circus’ plan to come to Bristol or at least require that it perform an animal-free version of its show.

“I’m alarmed. I’m disturbed,” said Martin, who was ready to send the circus packing.

But other councilors agreed to send the proposed Cole Brothers circus visit to downtown’s Depot Square back to committee for a more thorough review of the issues surrounding the circus.

Gary Payne, eastern vice president of the Circus Fans Association of America, said that allegations raised by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals are totally false.

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