Windsor by-law means human-only circus

The circus is coming to Windsor, but the full show won't be available.

Windsor city council passed a by-law in November 2017 banning animal circus acts from performing in the city. The Super Circus Spectacular will perform Saturday, June 9 at the WFCU Centre with only human acts.

"In most locations that means elephants, tigers and exotic type animals. We usually don't worry too much about horses and dogs," said Brian Burnside, a Canadian representative with Super Circus Spectacular.

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Pretty much every location in North America has restrictions, and Windsor's ban on all performing animals is an exception.

"Almost everywhere else we can use them," Burnside said.

It's so restrictive that performer's personal pets aren't allowed on site.

"We have to make arrangements to have the pets, you know, put in a the kennel or place whatever — you can't even have your family dog there," he said.

The circus also had to make arrangements at a kennel for performers' pets and for the dogs they use in the show. The circus also uses horses which will be quartered in Hamilton.

"Every place we play, we usually have the local human society stop by. The animals are vet checked periodically," said Burnside. "It's very stringent on how you have to care for these animals."

Since Super Circus Spectacular won't have animals in their show, they will be adding more human performances.

"The circus is trying to evolve into a totally human act, but people still want to see the horses, kids still want to go on the pony ride."