Feds Cite UniverSoul Circus Tiger Exhibitor Following PETA Complaint

Recently Released Records Show Crackdown on Mitchel Kalmanson for Repeatedly Locking Big Cats in Undersized Cages

For Immediate Release:
October 23, 2013

Contact:
Sophia Charchuk 202-483-7382

Philadelphia — Two days after PETA filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that tigers traveling with UniverSoul Circus were languishing in undersized metal cages during 90-degree–plus weather, including photos of the animals, the agency cited UniverSoul exhibitor Mitchel Kalmanson for violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Specifically, he has been cited for failing to provide tigers with adequate space and required exercise—a repeat violation arising from his continued confinement of the animals to tiny transport cages all day long despite previous citations. Kalmanson’s tiger handler reportedly told the USDA inspector that they keep the tigers caged 24/7 for at least the four to seven weeks that they’re on the road, which denies the animals even the slightest amount of exercise and everything else that’s natural and important to them. The circus will be held next to The Mann Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia from October 31 to November 10.

“While UniverSoul’s exhibitors flout the laws written to protect animals, these animals suffer, stored away like inanimate props,” says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. “The suffering endured by these big cats, who spend most of their lives locked up in tiny metal cages, should prompt Philadelphia-area residents to stay away from UniverSoul Circus and all other circuses that use animals.”

In 2011, the USDA cited Kalmanson following another PETA complaint that included video footage of a tiger with UniverSoul Circus as she struggled after her foot became pinned underneath a panel of a cage. Kalmanson was also cited in April while with UniverSoul for failing to care for a limping tiger properly, for putting a tiger at risk of strangulation, and for denying tigers adequate space and exercise. In 2008, he was ordered to pay a $6,000 penalty for two tiger escapes that took place while exhibiting with UniverSoul.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.