[New Zealand Herald]

A city council in Queensland has ruled exotic circus animals are a relic of a cruel past.

Neighbouring Queensland councils Brisbane and Ipswich are divided over a push by the RSPCA and Animal Liberation to ban circuses that use such animals in their shows.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman flick-passed the issue, saying animal welfare was a matter for the state government.

But Ipswich City Council has decided to act, and from July 1 will become the first Queensland city to ban circuses with exotic animals from using any land under council ownership or control.

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full story:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/world/news/article.cfm?c_id=2&objectid=10576996