THE BALLOON MAN

 

[UPDATED with Performing Animal Ban Pulled:]

 Circus Comes to Anaheim Council Chambers Tonight
By Matt Coker
FROM: ocweekly.com
Sep. 25 2012 

ORIGINAL POST, SEPT. 25, 9:41 A.M.: In showbiz, timing is everything, which explains why Feld Entertainment is bringing the big guns to tonight's Anaheim City Council meeting. Having presented its Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus to packed Anaheim houses for years, Feld recently inked a five-year deal to continue the streak at the Honda Center--a deal the Virginia-based promoter now fears is threatened by a proposal before the City Council.
UPDATE, SEPT. 25, 6:38 P.M.: With "sadness," and after consultation with animal-rights organizations that had clued Lorri Galloway into abuse allegations swirling around circuses, the councilwoman this evening pulled her proposed ban on performing wild and exotic animals within city limits.

Galloway said the issue required more study, but she invited dozens of animal activists and ban supporters in attendance to share their views with the council about the proposal and circus animals. Representatives from Feld Entertainment, the Honda Center and the Teamsters union were there to defend Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' annual Anaheim shows.

 "We're ecstatic," reacted Stephen Payne, a Feld Entertainment vice president who attended along with a Ringling Bros. veterinarian who cares for performing lions, tigers and elephants.

Payne accused some critics of airing unsubstantiated claims about Ringling Bros.'s treatment of animals, while adding he believes the Feld forces were able to convince at least some people that the way the company operates runs counter to the opposition's allegations.

"We are happy to have the opportunity to bring 'The Greatest Show on Earth' back to the Honda Center every year," said Payne, pointing to the five-year deal Ringling Bros. recently inked with the arena next to the 57 freeway. "The two weeks in Anaheim are such a central part of our Southern California engagement."