ANAHEIM -- The councilwoman who proposed a ban on the use of elephants and other exotic animals for entertainment pulled the proposal at the last minute Tuesday, saying that more time is needed to study the issue.

The proposal gained widespread attention -- the city received more than 3,000 emails and phone calls, predominantly from animal-rights advocates -- because it would have meant an end to the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus annual run in Anaheim.

Councilwoman Lorri Galloway, who had requested the ban, said at the start of the 5 p.m. council meeting that some leading advocates of the prohibition urged her to pull the proposal until they could ensure it would have the desired effect.

"I don't do this -- stand up for something -- and then back off," Galloway said. But, she said, she did so with "deep regret," because more time is needed to refine the law.

It's unclear if the issue will come back for consideration. Galloway's term on the City Council ends in November, and she is termed out.

Galloway's announcement disappointed many in the crowd who came to support the ban, driving to Anaheim from as far as Pasadena and Thousand Oaks. More than two dozen still spoke to the council and said they will continue to push for a ban in Anaheim.

"Anaheim would be making a powerful statement by implementing a ban on exotic animals," said Teri Huff of Pasadena. "I hope they'll still go forward with it, and other cities will follow suit."
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Animal rights advocates say that training elephants, tigers and other animals to perform is inhumane. Circus officials deny those charges and say animal care is closely watched and heavily regulated.

Officials from the Honda Center came to speak against the proposed ban. City leaders estimated that the circus brought $1.3 million in gross revenue to the city during its 10-day run last year and provides a valuable source of employment for hundreds of employees. About 140,000 people attended the circus in Anaheim last year.

Others who came to speak said they think the proposed city law is a bad idea.

"Yes, the animals need to be treated right," said Chris Gollans, 54, of Anaheim. "But get veterinarians and health officials to make sure that happens. Not an all-out ban. That makes no sense."
www.msnbc.msn.com/id/49173218/ns/local_news-orange_county_ca/t/proposed-ban-elephants-exotic-animals-anaheim-pulled/#.UG1O8VEt2Sq

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