My first foray into animal cruelty. The article details deaths, illness and injury within Ringling Bros.’ famed herd of performing elephants. I spent a year examining corporate and government records that surfaced over a decade through FOIA requests and lawsuits against Feld Entertainment, the parent of America’s most popular circus. Along the way, I really fell for the elephants…
Read the full story here:The Cruelest Show on Earth
Updates:
Feld Entertainment agreed to pay a $270,000 penalty — the largest ever under the Animal Welfare Act — to settle numerous alleged violations for mistreatment of elephants and other circus animals.
The USDA announced the settlement Nov. 28. Feld released a statement noting it was not admitting anything but would “enhance” its animal care.
The historic penalty ended decades of USDA inaction on abuse allegations against Ringling documented in inspections, investigations and through long-standing efforts by animal welfare groups — such as PETA, ASPCA and the Animal Protection Institute.
The announcement came on the heels of legislation introduced by Rep. Jim Moran of Virginia that would restrict use of exotic animals in traveling circuses.
Image by David Cook Wildlife Photography
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2 comments
Supv. Dave de Felice
January 23, 2012 at 5:57 pm (UTC -4)
I am a member of the Dane County Board of Supervisors in Madison, WI. We are considering a proposed county ban on elephants used in performances such as the Shriner Circus. In response, we on the board are getting an unusual number of emails from people around the country and some in Wisconsin opposing the ban. I am wondering if the Feld group or some other organization might be generating these emails. Among the most unusual emails to date is from Linda Reifschneider, President of Asian Elephant Support, http://www.asianelephantsupport.org. She opposes the ban. I am wondering if you know anything about her or her organization. I find it incredible that a person who opposes a ban on elephants performing in a circus setting also heads an organization seemingly devoted to protecting elephants. I’d appreciate any advice or insight you could offer.
admin
January 24, 2012 at 5:38 am (UTC -4)
Hi, Dave. I’ll give you a shout about this in the next couple days.