EDITOR,

Re: “Boycott circus, animal advocates urge,” Chief, Sept. 27.

Since Circus Gatti claims that there will be no exotic animals brought into Canada, they must believe snakes are not exotic. Why else would they have a large snake, referred to as a boa constrictor, at the Chillwack performances, which took place prior to the performances scheduled in Squamish? Interestingly, they were in violation of a Chilliwack animal performance bylaw which prohibits exotics from performing or accompanying a circus. Customers were charged $10 each to have circus staff place the animal around the neck of a child and have a picture taken (with the customer's own camera!)

Whether or not they bring animals to Squamish, their dismal record on animal care speaks for itself. The Vancouver Humane Society agrees that the public should boycott any business that abuses animals, whether the abuse is happening in Canada or elsewhere.

Debra Probert

Executive Director

Vancouver Humane Society