Animal rights advocates are backing legislation that would ban all circuses from coming to Westchester County.

"Westchester County really needs to step up to the plate and make this happen," says Taffy Williams, of the Animal Defenders of Westchester. "People have been trying for 15 years…It just petered along, really hasn't gone to the level that it needs to."

Williams and other advocates met with county leaders Friday to make their case.

Westchester County Legislator Mary Jane Shimsky has co-sponsored legislation to protect circus animals and other wildlife that may be exhibited to the public in Westchester. That measure does not call for the complete banning of circuses.

"We're hoping for everyone to take a good look at it this year. As you know, we've had an extremely busy legislative calendar this session," she says.

Animal advocates say they would also like to see Westchester County Executive George Latimer issue an executive order banning circuses.

Back in 2017, Gov. Andrew Cuomo banned the use of elephants in entertainment acts in New York state.