Notorious Animal Exhibitor Is Violating State Law, Subjecting Kangaroo to Stress; Other Animals Have Died
For Immediate Release:
November 17, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Perris, Calif. -- This morning, PETA lodged an urgent complaint with California Department of Fish and Game Law Enforcement Division Chief Nancy Foley calling on her to intervene to stop an illegal traveling "kangaroo boxing" act from appearing with the Piccadilly Circus in Perris on November 21 and 22. In the act, a kangaroo named Rocky is dressed up in boxing shorts and gloves and forced to remain in the boxing ring as his owner, animal exhibitor Javier Martinez, antagonizes the animal into defending himself. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has repeatedly cited Martinez for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including for failing to handle a kangaroo in a manner that does not cause trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort. In addition to the fact that Martinez is operating the act in California without a permit, state law prohibits causing animals unnecessary torment. The law also prohibits combat between animals and humans.
"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. "Restraining and terrorizing a kangaroo is obviously cruel—and in California, it's also illegal."
When Martinez's animals aren't forced to perform, they are kept 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.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.