Tell the USDA to Protect Circus Animals Animal advocates everywhere are saddened and outraged by the recent deaths of animals traveling with circuses in the U.S. In 1997, Heather, an elephant traveling with the King Royal Circus died as she was being transported in an unairconditioned, overcrowded truck through New Mexico. Although King Royal had a long history of animal neglect and abuse, including a videotaped incident where a trainer stabbed and beat a baby elephant, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) failed to take any action until after Heather's death when it revoked the circus's license. In January 1998, a trainer with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus shot and killed a tiger in a cage after the animal attacked the trainer's brother. The USDA issued a warning to Ringling Bros. but refused to file a charge in the tiger's death. Three weeks later, Kenny, a 3-year-old elephant with Ringling Bros. died after performing while ill. Ringling Bros. eventually reached an out-of-court settlement with the USDA to prevent going to court. The circus neither admitted nor denied violating the Animal Welfare Act, the law that is supposed to protect exhibited animals, in Kenny' s death. The USDA has announced its intention to review practices used for handling and training exotic or wild animals (such as elephants, lions, tigers, and bears) used in exhibition. While the primary motive for this review appears to be to protect the public, this is a sign that some limits on the handling and training of these animals may be possible. Now is the time to speak up for animals in circuses. Please write the USDA and tell it that the agency must do more to protect exotic animals from the physical and psychological abuse they suffer in circuses and other traveling shows. Points to include in your letter: �Elephants and other large, powerful animals can not be humanely handled in traveling acts. �Circus life is inherently stressful to animals. Circus animals suffer cruel punishment behind the scenes, and many are victims of debilitating diseases brought on by a life of constant confinement and travel. �Circus animals display abnormal behavior, and have a shortened life span, as a result of their unnatural existence. �At least 30 people have been killed and more than 100 injured by captive elephant since 1990. During the same period, more than 65 attacks by captive felines have occurred. Send your letters to: Mr. Mike Dunn Assistant Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Affairs U.S. Department of Agriculture 14th Street and Independence Ave., SW Washington, DC 20250 202-720-4265 202-720-5775 Fax [EMAIL PROTECTED] The day will come when elephants and other animals won't be held in chains, only to be released to perform tricks for people. Let's make it sooner rather than later!
