Universal Disdain and Outrage at UniverSoul Circus
Update November 8, 2024: UniverSoul ended the use of live animals in their performances in 2023! Read about the victory, or take action to help animals still suffering in circuses.
Original post: Based on a veterinarian’s assessment stating that an elephant traveling with UniverSoul Circus is suffering from apparent painful lameness, likely caused by arthritis, PETA sent an urgent letter asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate the circus and to ensure that no injured or lame animal is forced to perform. The expert, who reviewed video footage of a recent UniverSoul performance, concluded that the elephant’s severely limited motion in her rear limbs is indicative of serious arthritic and degenerative joint disease.
The duo providing this circus with elephants, Jorge and Louann Barreda, have a history of failing to provide adequate veterinary care to ailing elephants: In December, they were cited for failing to give veterinary care to an elephant who had a swollen area on her face that was secreting a heavy discharge. And two weeks ago, PETA sent the USDA an urgent complaint regarding another elephant traveling with UniverSoul who was apparently suffering from a large lump on her back.
What You Can Do
Ask the USDA to seize the Barredas’ ailing elephants.
