Dear
I am very disappointed to learn that the [name of sponsor] is hosting Roberts Brothers Circus. Many progressive communities have
banned animal acts altogether within their city
limits.
Roberts Brothers Circus has failed to meet minimal
federal standards for the care of animals used in
exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act
(AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA) has cited Roberts Bros. Circus for failure to
provide an exercise plan for animals, sufficient
veterinary care, safe enclosures, and adequate
shelter. In addition, Roberts Bros. Circus keeps one
solitary elephant. Considering that elephants are
very social herd animals who experience stress when
they are deprived of the companionship of other
elephants, this essentially equates to a lifetime of
solitary confinement for her. In the wild, a female
elephant would remain with her mother and the herd for
her entire life.
Citations by USDA Inspectors include:
May 15, 2000: The USDA cited Roberts Bros. for failure
to provide adequate veterinary care to a 15-year-old
pygmy goat exhibiting stiffness in her back legs.
March 23, 2000: Roberts Bros. was cited a fourth time
for failure to maintain the structural strength of the
elephant transport trailer. The inspector noted that
the floor was rusty and thin.
July 13, 1999: Roberts Bros. was cited a third time
for failure to maintain the structural strength of the
elephant transport trailer. The inspector noted that
the walls were rusted.
June 21, 1999: Roberts Bros. was cited a second time
for failure to maintain the structural strength of the
elephant transport trailer.
May 8, 1998: Roberts Bros. was cited for failure to
maintain the structural strength of the elephant
transport trailer. The inspector noted that a wall was
damaged. The USDA inspector advised the circus to
prevent a dog from continually barking at the elephant
and not to allow the elephant to hold a sledgehammer
during periods of public contact.
March 23, 1998: A USDA inspection cited the circus for
not having an exercise plan for the animals.
September 14, 1993: The USDA cited Roberts Bros. for
insufficient veterinary care. The animals' hooves were
in need of trimming.
January 1993: The USDA cited Roberts Bros. for failing
to have a perimeter fence for animals, posing safety
risks to the animals and the general public. They also
cited the circus for barbed wire protruding into the
goat and sheep pen, which put the animals at risk of
injuring themselves.
December 1991: The USDA cited Roberts Bros. for
failing to have a program of veterinary care and to
provide shelter for the animals.
February 1990: The USDA cited Roberts Bros. for
failure to provide shelter from the elements.
Please, for the sake of the animals and the safety of the public, implement a formal policy against the use of animal acts as promotions and schedule only cruelty-free events.
Thank you for your consideration in this matter.
Sincerely,
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