This USDA action is extremely important because it means that even though the Cole Brothers Circus does not have an exhibitor’s license, the USDA is still holding it responsible. This should lead to the end of circuses using animal acts under the licenses of other exhibitors as a way to shield themselves from responsibility for the care and treatment of those animals.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has filed formal charges against the Cole Brothers Circus for multiple violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), including those involving the elephants Tina and Jewel (pictured above with Queenie). As a result of IDA’s work on behalf of these elephants, the circus now should be held responsible for the horrendous conditions under which Tina and Jewel were held.
Thanks to you, the USDA received thousands of emails, letters, faxes and phone calls urging them to take action against this circus, and your calls have resulted in action. Remember this next time you wonder if your calls and letters do any good.
This USDA action is extremely important because it means that even though the Cole Brothers Circus does not have an exhibitor’s license, the USDA is still holding it responsible. This should lead to the end of circuses using animal acts under the licenses of other exhibitors as a way to shield themselves from responsibility for the care and treatment of those animals.
Alleged violations that involved Tina and Jewel include: