NATCHEZ — The Natchez Board of Aldermen will allow a circus performance today at the Natchez City Auditorium since the show will not involve animals.

The board had voted in an early January meeting to bar circus performances in that building due to pressure from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) citing animal abuse concerns.

Subsequently, Stellar Entertainment Group Executive Director Jim Davis refuted that his circus group, Garden Bros. Circus, exhibited any sort of abusive practices.

Natchez Mayor Darryl Grennell said the group reached out to his office and asked if they could perform should animals not be involved. Grennell said he consulted with the aldermen and they all consented.

While animals will not perform, Davis said, they will be available for rides.

The circus has both 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows scheduled for today.