Circuses and other traveling shows that feature exotic animals would be barred from operating in Douglas County under one of two proposals being considered by the Douglas County Commission.

The second proposal would allow the shows but require fees, permits and a background check before the shows could do business here.

“Both seem to be a huge step in the right direction,” Commission Chairman Charles Jones said of the dual set of proposed regulations.

Commissioners had instructed county staff to prepare the proposals and discussed them during a meeting Monday.

The proposals stemmed from concerns for the safety of people and animals.

“This has nothing to do with agriculture,” said Ann Wilson, a member of Lawrence-based Animal Outreach of Kansas. “This is about exotic animals. We think not allowing them in will solve a lot of problems.”

Wilson supports the ban.

Exotic animals in traveling shows, such as circuses, are “ticking time bombs,” she said.

“The last thing I want to see happen is an elephant come in and go on a rampage,” she said. “Let’s just not even get to that point.”

The concept of fees and permits for the traveling shows came from Commissioner Jere McElhaney after discussion with members of the Douglas County Fair Board. People would like to see more checks and balances in place for traveling shows, he said.

“We were concerned about disease and concerned about abuse,” McElhaney said.

Background checks could show what risks might be involved with the shows, he said.

Costs of the background checks could be offset by the permit fees. Shows also could be fined if they failed to follow rules.

Commissioners will consider the proposals further at a future Wednesday night meeting, although no date has been set.