Circus has a history

To the editor: The Carson & Barnes Circus has come and gone and if area residents knew more about the shameful history of this outfit, I believe they’ll think twice about letting it come next year. A U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia stated that the abuse revealed on a PETA undercover video showing a Carson & Barnes trainer attacking terrified elephants with a sharp metal bullhook and shocking them with an electric prod, is in violation of the Animal Welfare Act. The circus paid a $400 fine as a result. The circus has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failure to provide veterinary care, adequate space and ventilation, shelter from the elements, and clean drinking water. Carson &Barnes paid a $550 fine after a trailer overturned injuring two elephants. Since 1995, the circus has been cited by the USDA at least eight times for failing to maintain its animal-transport trailers. These citations are easily verified by reviewing Carson & Barnes USDA inspection reports, which are available to anyone who requests them. Lisa Wathne, Captive Exotic Animals Specialist People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Norfolk, VA