This week in Charlotte: a city proposal to protect circus animals


Charlotte City Council on Monday will consider a proposal to effectively ban the use of bullhooks, electric prods and whips on wild and exotic animals performing in the city.

The section of the city’s ordinance that deals with exotic or wild animals has not been amended since 1985. At a Sept. 7 strategy session, Council directed the city attorney to propose updates that would protect circus animals “from abuse or conditions harmful to their well-being.”

Click here to read the proposed amendments.

A “specific counterproposal” was submitted by an “interested party,” which city officials did not identify in public documents.

In other action, the council will:

  • consider approval of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Planning Committee’s recommendation to adopt the Center City 2040 Vision Plan.
  • discuss the creation of a SouthPark Municipal Service District (MSD). The district would assess a special property tax to pay for enhanced services within the SouthPark MSD. Charlotte currently has MSDs in Center City, South End, and University City.

City Council also will consider proposals that impact law enforcement, including:

  • a proposed contract with Kelso Communications to develop a recruitment advertising campaign for the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. The campaign would include media buying, creative development, and strategic advisement.
  • a proposal to buy “low-velocity de-escalation delivery systems” that discharge “projectiles that can be used by Police in high-risk situations to preserve life.” The annual cost is about $55,000.
  • a $700,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to establish a “Crime Gun Intelligence Center (CGIC).” According to the City Council agenda, a CGIC would “facilitate the immediate collection, management, and analysis of crime gun evidence by using intelligence, technology, and community engagement to swiftly identify unlawfully used firearms and help to make the community safer.”

The council also will consider a five-year lease (with up to two three-year extensions) between the City of Charlotte and Dieudonne Kamba for a hair salon in the LYNX Blue Line Extension JW Clay Parking Deck.

The Council meeting starts at 5 p.m. in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center.

The meeting will also be streamed live via the Government Channel, the city’s Facebook page, and the city’s YouTube channel.

Here are some other event happening this week in the Queen City:

Tuesday
The Breakfast Forum will host Ginny Harper on energy cost assistance programs available through Mecklenburg DSS.

Wednesday
Urban League’s Connect to Community virtual meeting for partners in education that serve students who are college or career ready. 

Thursday
Holiday Soirée, a gift drop for the homeless sponsored by Urban League and The Mount Charlotte Church.

Saturday
Join the Gantt Center for the Pass/Fail Series, a colorism-themed exhibition that includes a discussion with the artist Steven M. Cozart. RSVP here.





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