Notorious Animal Exhibitor Holds Kangaroo Boxing Matches in Violation of City Code, Says Group
For Immediate Release:
September 27, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Lubbock, Texas — PETA has sent a complaint to Lubbock Police Chief Roger Ellis and Animal Services Field Supervisor Kia Riemath urging them to intervene to stop an illegal traveling kangaroo boxing act from appearing at the City Bank Coliseum tomorrow, September 28. The act—called "Rocky Show Circus" and traveling with the Piccadilly Circus—is owned by animal exhibitor Javier Martinez, who has been repeatedly cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failure to provide adequate veterinary care and safe animal enclosures and failure to handle animals in a manner that does not cause behavioral stress or trauma. In the complaint, PETA points out that Lubbock Code of Ordinances § 4.04.001(c)(12) clearly prohibits a person from "caus[ing] an animal to fight another animal or person."
"Forcing kangaroos to box is an act that should have gone out with the cruel carnivals and 'freak shows' of the early 20th century," says PETA Director Delcianna Winders. "Allowing cruel and illegal boxing matches between kangaroos and humans risks giving Lubbock a black eye."
At least two kangaroos used in Martinez's "boxing" act have died while touring with a circus, including one who died from complications of a deadly bacterial disease called "lumpy jaw," which can be caused by severe crowding, poor hygiene, poor diet, and stressful conditions. Martinez was aware of this kangaroo's condition but forced him to continue performing until he died. Since then, the USDA has continued to cite Martinez—including as recently as December 2010—for failing to provide adequate veterinary care. Last year, following complaints from PETA activists, Kraft Foods canceled a Rocky Show Circus kangaroo boxing appearance that was scheduled to take place in Hidalgo, Texas.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.