Groups protest treatment of circus animals

0 Comments | Deseret News (Salt Lake City), Aug 1, 2004 | by Lynn Arave Deseret Morning News

Animal rights groups continue to urge a boycott of the Carson & Barnes Circus, currently performing at the Utah State Fairpark, but the circus maintains it has not been involved in any animal cruelty.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has been calling for a boycott of the Carson circus for more than a week. A few days ago, the Humane Society of Utah also called for similar action.

"We aren't opposed to circuses on general principles," said Gene Baierschmidt, Humane Society of Utah director. "But there is documented evidence that clearly shows violent and inexcusable abuse of the animals forced to appear in the C&B spectacle."

PETA has been particularly concerned about the mistreatment of elephants.

"Elephants' suffering is nothing new at Carson & Barnes," a PETA press release states. "PETA has obtained shocking video footage of Carson & Barnes trainers violently attacking elephants. . ."

Jennifer Johnson, Carson and Barnes Circus spokeswoman, is in Salt Lake City this weekend for the circus and said while the allegations are nothing new, they are totally untrue.

"We've been in the circus business for 68 years," she said. "We have never violated the Animal Welfare Act, as PETA claims. These are lies to raise money (for PETA)."

Johnson also said the U.S. Department of Agriculture does not issue citations, despite what PETA claims, and she said PETA credibility should be questioned.

In fact, she said, the media has rarely contacted the circus for its side of the story, and so these untrue stories have gained increased circulation.

"We're proud of our record," Johnson said.

The Carson Circus was cited by the USDA recently as having "non- compliant" housing for its dogs, but that was because a new enclosure hadn't yet been painted.

"We've had three inspections this year by the USDA," Johnson said. "We meet or exceed all their requirements."

The Carson Circus has seven elephants, two tigers, a giraffe and many other animals.

"The circus is a model of harmony," Johnson said.

About 100 people watched the circus set up Friday morning. The adverse PETA publicity seems to bring the circus better attendance, Johnson said.

Utah State Fairpark managers had no comment on allegations against the Carson Circus.

The Circus will perform at the Fairpark through today. It will be in Tremonton Monday; Montpelier, Idaho, Tuesday; Preston, Idaho, Wednesday; Ogden Thursday; and Provo, Aug. 6-8.

Information on the Carson & Barnes Circus is available online at www.carsonbarnescircus.com. PETA said its video footage of elephant abuse can be seen at www.circuses.com.

E-mail: lynn@desnews.com