Looks like a circus may be busted after not being so kind to their elephants!
After two complaints from PETA, the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has filed formal charges against Cole Bros. Circus due to the lack of physical safety and psychological well-being of two elephants.
PETA claimed that Tina and Jewell were forced to travel and perform despite being underweight by HUNDREDS of pounds.
The USDA has filed over 10 charges against the circus and have confiscated both elephants.
The charges include:
Failure to provide adequate veterinary care to an underweight elephant with a prominent spine and sunken body image
Failure to have records for vet exams and tuberculosis tests
Failure to handle an elephant in a way that minimizes the risk of harm to the public and the elephant
Failure to employ personnel capable of caring for elephants
Failure to house elephants at a facility that could provide for their needs
Failure to follow recommendations of an elephant specialist—a willful violation
Failure to store medications properly
Transporting elephants to another person who was not equipped to care for them against the recommendation of an elephant specialist
Inadequate enclosures
Handlers who lacked training and knowledge and weren’t regularly on site
The circus is also being charged with tiger abuse as well.
Hopefully, the USDA will bring justice for these poor animals!
