The circus is not coming to town in West Hollywood after the city council on Monday unanimously approved an ordinance banning displays and shows with exotic and wild animals.

The decision was made at a meeting that became contentious at times when animal rights activists and proponents of performing animals in the audience squared off verbally over views about the humane treatment of animals.

West Hollywood City Councilman Jeffrey Prang said there was an outburst between the opposing sides because proponents of performing animals claimed the animal rights activists had unfairly influenced the city council to author the ordinance. Prang, the measure’s primary author, said he was not influenced by either side, and added that he came up with the idea based on his personal views about animal rights. The councilman added that he researched similar laws in other cities that have already been approved, such as Huntington Beach.

“It was contentious. There were some people in the audience and some issues came up between the different organizations that came in,” Prang said. “There was an assumption [by a member of the audience] that the council had been misled. I think the exploitation of animals for commercial purposes is inappropriate, and it’s an activity I think should be prohibited.”

Prang and the measure’s co-author, Councilman John Duran, said the new ordinance is more proactive than reactive because the city does not host many events with performing animals. Duran said he had heard of a situation that occurred several years ago, when an elephant was used as a prop at a fundraiser, but could not think of any other situations in which exotic or wild animals were displayed in West Hollywood. Prang also could not think of any examples, but said the new ordinance would apply to future special events and promotions where exotic animals might be used.

“Obviously, we are not going to be hosting a Barnum & Bailey Circus in West Hollywood because there is no place to put it. But a circus is the most conspicuous example that comes to mind,” Prang said. “There might be things we don’t know of that are occurring. We know these things happen in other places.”

The ordinance prohibits displays or performances with exotic or wild animals at any “circus, ride, trade show, carnival, parade, race or similar undertaking.” The ordinance specifically lists animals such as monkeys, chimpanzees, bears, elephants, alligators, crocodiles, kangaroos, armadillos, ostriches and camels, as well as exotic animals indigenous to Africa such as hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses and giraffes. It also prohibits displays with snakes or reptiles over eight feet in length or any venomous reptiles. Many wild animals commonly found in Southern California are also listed, such as raccoons, possums and skunks.

The ordinance does not prohibit educational displays endorsed by the Association of Sanctuaries or the American Sanctuary Association, and exempts filming when a proper permit has been acquired. Duran said the ordinance is a continuation of the city’s long-standing efforts to protect animal rights. The city has previously approved ordinances banning the de-clawing of cats, and the retail sale of cats and dogs.

“Having an elephant or lions or bears or any other large exotic animals performing a trick is so contrary to their natural existence. To me, it sounds like barbaric Rome in the First Century,” Duran said. “As a human species, I think we have evolved past these types of barbarism. [But] I could foresee people wanting to make use of exotic animals for promotional purposes.”

Prang said the new ordinance will come back before the city council in early October for a second reading — which is generally a formality — and it would become law in November.