Kingman and Mohave County are working on laws that would outlaw traveling circuses from operating in the area, if they include animals. 

Both the city and county were approached by local animal advocates who say traveling circuses abuse animals and shouldn't be allowed in the area.

Last month, Kingman looked at possible language to make animal entertainment illegal. That action, along with Mohave County's work to make it illegal, prompted outcry from other industries.

Specifically, rodeos, falconers and animal-education groups objected to a blanket ban that could affect their industries.

Kingman Mayor Monica Gates heard their worries.

"Our city attorney recognized the need to keep this very specific to our community, to ensure that we are protecting other usage for animals and keep it very specific to this circus ban request," Gates said.

Gates says the city only wants to target transient groups.

"They're in town for such a brief amount of time, that if there is evidence of neglect or abuse, there's not really the opportunity for a concerned citizen or municipality to act on that," she said.

Both Kingman and Mohave County are still crafting the laws to vote on, and there is no timeline on when the supervisors and City Council will vote.