USDA Action Against Circus Infamous for Restraining Animals in Filthy Enclosures Follows PETA Complaints
For Immediate Release:
February 21, 2013
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Las Vegas -- Following official complaints by PETA regarding a camel and three small dogs who escaped from Las Vegas–based Ramos Bros. Circus and headed toward busy traffic—and in the camel's case, caused a major traffic jam—the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued an official warning to Ramos Bros. for a violation of the Animal Welfare Act's (AWA) provision against endangering animals and the public. This action comes on the heels of numerous complaints to PETA from the public indicating that the circus regularly abuses animals, including tying them up so tightly that they cannot stand, forcing them to live in urine- and feces-filled enclosures, and failing to provide them with water.
"Allowing animals to endanger themselves and the public is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Ramos Bros.' neglect and cruelty to animals," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA wants the public to stay away from a circus that routinely deprives animals of their most basic necessities, including clean shelter and drinkable water."
In its warning, the USDA cautions that violations of the AWA can have "serious and costly impacts" and that further violations of the law may result in the assessment of a civil penalty, criminal prosecution, or other sanctions against the circus. Ramos Bros.' other recent violations of the AWA include operating without a required federal license. Just this past June, the circus unlawfully exhibited zebras and camels in Corona, Calif., in clear violation of a city ordinance. When PETA notified city officials, they took immediate action to enforce the law.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
