Ramos Bros. Circus Just Lost Federal Exhibitor License, Group Warns
For Immediate Release:
April 4, 2013
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Moreno Valley, Calif. -- PETA has just sent an urgent letter to Moreno Valley authorities, including the chief of police, and to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) urging the officials to prohibit Ramos Bros. Circus from illegally exhibiting animals during the remainder of its stint in the city, which is scheduled through April 8. As PETA explains in its letters, Ramos Bros. has continued to perform in Moreno Valley, even though the USDA canceled the circus's license to exhibit animals on April 2.
The USDA has previously cited Ramos Bros. for operating without a license, and in January, the agency issued the circus an official warning for violating the Animal Welfare Act after a camel was allowed to escape and head toward traffic, endangering herself and the public. PETA has received numerous reports from the public indicating that Ramos Bros. regularly abuses animals, including tying them up so tightly that they cannot stand, forcing them to live in their own waste, and failing to provide them with water and shade. Last year, an appeal from PETA prompted the city of Corona to shut down Ramos Bros.' illegal exhibition of exotic animals.
"Whether it's operating without a license or sticking animals in filthy, cramped enclosures, Ramos Bros. has repeatedly demonstrated a flagrant disregard for the law," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on officials to take a stand and make sure that abusive outfits such as Ramos Bros. cannot get away with breaking the law in Moreno Valley."
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
PETA's letter to Moreno Valley authorities follows.
April 4, 2013
Steve Fries, Animal Services
Division Manager
City of Moreno Valley
Joel Ontiveros, Chief of
Police
City of Moreno Valley
Henry Garcia, City Manager
City of Moreno Valley
Via e-mail: stevef@moval.org; mvpd@moval.org; jontiver@moval.org; cmoffice@moval.org
Re: Ramos Bros. Circus' Exhibition of Animals in Moreno Valley Without Required U.S. Department of Agriculture License
Dear Mr. Fries, Chief Ontiveros, and Mr. Garcia:
I am writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to alert you to the fact that Ramos Bros. Circus ("Ramos Bros."), which is currently performing in the City of Moreno Valley at 13250 Perris Blvd., appears to be doing so in violation of federal law. We have just learned that Ramos Bros.' U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) exhibitor license was canceled on April 2, 2013 (Attachment). Since a valid USDA license is required for the exhibition of animals, we ask that you immediately inspect Ramos Bros. and determine whether it is operating under a valid license and, if not, prohibit the circus from illegally exhibiting animals.
Please be aware that Ramos Bros. has demonstrated a persistent and flagrant disregard for federal and local laws. The USDA has previously cited Ramos Bros. for operating without a license. Last year, Ramos Bros. unlawfully exhibited zebras in Corona, Calif., in clear violation of a city prohibition on the display of wild or exotic animals. When PETA notified Corona officials, they took immediate action and ordered Ramos Bros. to remove the prohibited animals from the city.
I strongly urge you to ensure that Ramos Bros. is not allowed to operate illegally while performing in your city. May I please hear by the end of the day that you will investigate Ramos Bros. and cancel any upcoming performances if you determine that the circus does not possess a valid exhibitor license?
Thank you for your attention to this urgent matter.
Very truly yours,
Delcianna Winders, Director
Captive Animal Law
Enforcement