Cole Bros. Circus to Pay Federal Fine over Animal Treatment Complaints
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals says the $15,000 penalty will settle complaints to the USDA. The circus is coming to Watkinsville next week.
Videos
Cole Bros. Circus, which is coming to Watkinsville Sept. 17-19, has settled multiple complaints with the USDA over treatment of its animals, according to a news release from animal-rights group PETA.
Violations settled by a $15,000 fine include failure to provide veterinary care to two underweight elephants, failure to handle an elephant in a way that minimizes risk of harm, failure to house elephants properly and poorly trained handlers.
WMBF News of South Carolina reports that Cole Bros. Ringmaster Chris Connors said PETA's claims are not true.
Are you concerned about Cole Bros.' treatment of animals? Do you plan to go to the circus next week? Tell us in the comments.
JENNIFER
11:40 am on Thursday, September 13, 2012
We were planning to go but will not be going now.
C
12:59 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
Parents, please don't take your children to a circus that uses wild animal acts. In addition to the fines already paid by this Circus, these elephants are leased from Carson and Barnes headquartered in Hugo OK. Currently the state of Wisconsin has 4 Carson & Barnes elephants isolation because of exposure to TB. Thankfully, elephant rides are not allowed in Georgia.
Ellie
1:05 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I could never have fun knowing that the elephants I love were trained with cruel and abusive methods just to entertain me. Watch Cole Bros. elephant trainer using his bullhook to beat these elephants he was training to perform. He would never do this while you are looking. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iouGQD6lf6A
Pat Thomas
2:17 pm on Thursday, September 13, 2012
I love animals, but I don't like PETA even a little bit.
I like circuses, but it's really hard to enjoy when it seems like there's proof that they actively hurt these amazing beasts to make the show. I don't think every circus does these things, but this one did, and to hire that one guy... well, it doesn't seem like things are really changing, does it?
Christina Williams
7:32 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
PLEASE before going to the circus do some research online about this one as well as others..once you do I cannot imagine you would want to spend your time and money on veiled cruelty.
www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/circus-cruelty/
http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/circus-cruelty/
Kim C.
8:42 am on Friday, September 14, 2012
I refuse to go to any circus. I have better things to spend my money on.