USDA Complaint Filed

Since we didn't stop the Clinton City Fire Department from hosting the Kelly Miller Circus on May 8, we continued our protest. During the circus and protest, we walked around to observe the animals. There were two elephants, one of which was giving rides. We were told that their names were Cindy and Jenny. There were also two camels, one horse and one zebra, which were all tethered closely to a transport trailer. The larger of the two camels was giving rides. There were several dogs and one pony in the circus show. Lastly, there was a live-pony carousel with five ponies. We observed a pony on the live-pony carousel with very visibly overgrown hooves. We arrived at the circus event at approximately 7:30pm and stayed until the show ended at 9:30pm. None of the five ponies who were tethered to the carousel were given water during this time, nor was the exhibitor or a circus worker present at any time during our observation until approximately 9:30pm. The pony with the overgrown hooves was clearly in distress; it could not stand still and it kept moving from side to side in a motion that appeared like it was trying to turn its body around or something was disturbing it physically. It would lift its head several times in a row, in a jerking motion, but could not lift its head very far because of its bridle being attached to the carousel bar. There was also another pony with a seemingly chronic cough. Finally, when the last show of the night was over, the owner/exhibitor, whose name is Joel Faulk (he was also part of the circus act, which is why he was not present before) came to the carousel to give rides as guests were leaving. Afterward, the ponies were immediately returned to their transport trailer. While observing the camels, we had a conversation with Carolyn Rice (owner of the two camels, the horse, and the zebra). Ms. Rice stated that the Kelly Miller Circus owns no animals (true) and that they have not leased any animals from Carson & Barnes for five years. When asked who owned the elephants, Ms. Rice seemed uncomfortable with the question and stated, "I'll just let you do your own research on that." When asked what the elephant's names were, she stated that she "didn't know." I find this odd, considering that circus personnel live together, travel together, and work together on a daily basis for several months out of the year. I believe she knew the elephant's names. Photos and video were taken of all the animals and a complaint was filed with the United States Department of Agriculture under the Animal Welfare Act for the carousel pony with the overgrown hooves.