Indianapolis Officials and USDA Asked to Check on Condition of Tiger Whose Foot Was Trapped in Metal Bars
For Immediate Release:
July 13, 2011
Contact:
Robbyn Brooks 202-483-7382
Indianapolis — PETA has sent a complaint and video footage to Indianapolis Animal Care & Control (IACC) asking it to immediately check on the health of a tiger traveling with the UniverSoul Circus, which is performing at the Lafayette Square Mall through Sunday. In the video, which was taken on July 5, the tiger is shown struggling to free his foot, which was trapped beneath a cage door. PETA is calling on IACC to see if the tiger is now injured and, if necessary, to ensure that proper veterinary care is provided.
"The wanton neglect seen in this video leads us to believe that this tiger may still be suffering from wounds," says PETA Director Delcianna Winders. "We want Indianapolis Animal Care & Control to make sure that UniverSoul is not forcing an injured animal to perform stupid, grueling tricks if he or she is hurt."
PETA has also asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct an investigation into this incident and to determine whether the tiger sustained any injuries, whether the injuries were treated appropriately, why the exhibitors did not notice that the tiger's foot had been caught, and whether the tiger's cage fulfills enclosure requirements as established by the Animal Welfare Act.
This would not be the first time that UniverSoul Circus has demonstrated irresponsible care of animals: The USDA has previously cited UniverSoul exhibitors for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failure to provide veterinary care, medical records, and adequate space and failure to properly maintain transport vehicles.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.