DENVER -- About 40 opponents of a ballot question which would bar circuses that feature exotic animals from visiting the city rallied at the City and County Building on Tuesday.

Pat Grant, president of the National Western Stock Show, said Initiative 100 -- which was organized by a 15-year-old girl -- is not based on facts.

"The groups behind this ballot initiative sensationalize isolated stories of animal abuse and ignore the fact that healthy well-adjusted animals are thriving in the circus," he said.

The initiative, which will be voted on in the Aug. 10 primary election, would not prevent the Denver Zoo, the National Western Stock Show and Rodeo or a local aquarium from displaying exotic animals. It is targeted at circuses like those of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus and the Shriners that include performances by animals like bears and tigers.

The City Council placed the measure on the ballot because its sponsor, Heather Herman, collected the 6,000 signatures needed. However, members on Monday voted unanimously to condemn the measure, saying it would hurt the local economy.

Officials say Denver could lose $8 million if Ringling Bros. isn't allowed to visit the city. They also say the circus could end up going to other nearby venues, like the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland.

However, the Denver for Cruelty Free Circuses group has found revenue for circuses has dropped off in recent years, spokeswoman Jane Wisnieski said.

More than 15 communities around the nation, including nearby Boulder, bar performances involving exotic animals, according to industry officials.

A poll of 500 Denver residents found that 55 percent said exotic animals should be allowed and 41 percent said they should not be allowed. Four percent were not sure.

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Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey