Tell the USDA to Rescue Circus Elephants

Tell the USDA to Rescue Circus Elephants

The Issue

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has a long history of abusing animals, especially elephants. At least 26 of the circus’s elephants, including four babies, have died since 1996. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has repeatedly cited the circus for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failing to treat elephants for tuberculosis. As one newspaper editor recently wrote, "Performing elephants should have long since gone the way of the circus freak show ... It’s something future generations will look back on in embarrassment."

Help put an end to this ongoing abuse. Tell the USDA's Tom Vilsack to take action and remove elephants from the Ringling Bros. circus.

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Brandon BosworthPetition StarterHonolulu-based writer Brandon Bosworth grew up in Aiea, HI, the largest town in the U.S. with an all-vowel name. A longtime animal lover (and rabid cat person), since giving up meat he has become increasingly concerned with issues relating to animal rights and welfare. When not writing, Brandon enjoys reading, watching movies, or engaging in various physical pursuits. An avid music buff, he admits to owning way too many CDs.
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The Issue

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has a long history of abusing animals, especially elephants. At least 26 of the circus’s elephants, including four babies, have died since 1996. The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture has repeatedly cited the circus for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failing to treat elephants for tuberculosis. As one newspaper editor recently wrote, "Performing elephants should have long since gone the way of the circus freak show ... It’s something future generations will look back on in embarrassment."

Help put an end to this ongoing abuse. Tell the USDA's Tom Vilsack to take action and remove elephants from the Ringling Bros. circus.

avatar of the starter
Brandon BosworthPetition StarterHonolulu-based writer Brandon Bosworth grew up in Aiea, HI, the largest town in the U.S. with an all-vowel name. A longtime animal lover (and rabid cat person), since giving up meat he has become increasingly concerned with issues relating to animal rights and welfare. When not writing, Brandon enjoys reading, watching movies, or engaging in various physical pursuits. An avid music buff, he admits to owning way too many CDs.
Media inquiries

The Decision Makers

Thomas J. Vilsack
Thomas J. Vilsack
Agriculture Secretary

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Petition created on October 19, 2010