Notorious Animal Exhibitor Violates City Code, Subjects Kangaroo to Stressful Conditions; Other Animals Have Died
For Immediate Release:
October 4, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Pueblo, Colo. -- PETA has sent a complaint to Luis Velez, Pueblo's interim chief of police, calling on him to intervene to stop an illegal traveling "kangaroo boxing" act from appearing with the Piccadilly Circus at the Colorado State Fair in Pueblo tomorrow, October 5. In the act, a kangaroo named Rocky is dressed up and forced to remain in the boxing ring as his owner, animal exhibitor Javier Martinez, strikes the animal repeatedly in the head and torso. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has repeatedly cited Martinez for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. In fact, Martinez has been cited previously while in Pueblo for failing to handle a kangaroo in a manner that does not cause trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort. Pueblo law also prohibits treating any animal cruelly as well as causing combat between animals and humans.
"Another time this exhibitor was in Pueblo, a kangaroo in the act was so terrified that he chewed his own arm—a sign of stress in kangaroos—and attempted to escape," says PETA Director Delcianna Winders. "The city now has one last chance to stop this cruel and illegal boxing match before Pueblo ends up with another black eye."
When Martinez's animals aren't forced to perform, they are held in inhumane conditions. At least two kangaroos used in the 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. 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.
PETA's complaint is available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.