MasterCard Cancels Controversial Sponsorship of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus

January 2004

MasterCard joins Sears, Roebuck, and Co. and Visa to become the third national sponsor to end its Ringling promotions amid a flood of complaints. PETA had written to the credit-card giant describing Ringling’s record of tragic animal deaths, USDA investigations, penalties, and warnings and recently sent MasterCard’s president and board of directors undercover videotape showing screaming, terrified elephants being viciously attacked with sharp metal bullhooks and electric prods during behind-the-scenes circus training sessions.

To watch the undercover video footage, visit PETA.org.