We have some news to share about a case that we’ve mentioned recently: Disreputable animal exhibitor Hugo Liebel, facing a hearing next week in Florida, has instead settled with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) regarding 33 violations of the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)—several of which sprang from charges that followed PETA complaints to the agency. … Read more »
Because of the throngs of people who had gathered outside to protest, it was hard to spot those who were trickling into Brooklyn’s Barclays Center on Ringling Bros. circus’s opening night. More than 200 animal advocates came together to make sure that Ringling’s reception was chillier than a New York winter. While half the group … Read more »
Update 2: Thanks for your calls and e-mails in Nosey’s behalf. We have learned that Nosey is no longer appearing with UniverSoul Circus. PETA will, of course, continue to monitor her situation, and we’ll post updates here. Please learn more about ways to help animals used for entertainment. Update: As UniverSoul Circus prepares to force … Read more »
Pretty, pleasant Pia Toscano bears a striking resemblance to another PETA pal—Lea Michele—and the similarities don’t stop at their lovely faces, with voices to match and rhyming monikers. Like Lea, Pia jumped at the chance to use her platform to help stop cruelty to animals. In her debut single, “This Time,” Pia bids a powerful … Read more »
Update: PETA has now confirmed that the USDA has not one but two open investigations into AWA violations by the Hawthorn Corporation: one prompted by PETA’s complaint regarding Hawthorn’s use of Lance Ramos (see below) to unlawfully exhibit tigers in violation of the USDA’s revocation of Ramos’ license and the other arising from a separate case … Read more »
Nearly 10 years after she was liberated from the sweltering hell of a Mexican circus, Alaska, the bear who was the impetus for the eventual seizure of all seven bears held captive by the Suarez Bros. Circus, has died at the Maryland Zoo in Baltimore. Estimated to be in her late 20s—old age for a … Read more »
Los Angeles has been on a roll lately (ever since PETA’s new Bob Barker Building opened there—coincidence?). First, the city banned pet stores from selling puppies, kittens, and rabbits from breeders, and then it became the first major city to embrace and endorse Meatless Monday. Now, the City of Angels is considering a ban on … Read more »
When the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) permanently revokes an animal exhibitor’s license, it means game over—that person or company can never again exhibit animals. But Lancelot Kollman, aka Lance Ramos, a notorious animal abuser who flagrantly disregards the Animal Welfare Act (AWA), must think that he is above the law. PETA caught Kollman in … Read more »
Following multiple investigation requests from PETA, the Chicago Inspector General (IG) launched a probe of the city’s regulation of circuses and other animal exhibitors. Now, the IG has released its report, with recommended changes to licensing and permitting procedures. Behind-the-Scenes Scandal at Ringling Public records about Chicago’s inspections of the notoriously inhumane Ringling Bros. circus in November … Read more »
PETA has fired off a letter urging Circus World in Baraboo, Wisconsin, to ban elephant exhibitions following news reports that the museum brought in four elephants—one of whom had recently been exposed to a tuberculosis-positive elephant. The elephants were supplied by the notorious Carson & Barnes Circus, which did not have permits to take the animals into … Read more »
As one of the stars of the CW’s new superhero hit, Arrow, Annie Ilonzeh knows a thing or two about good vs. evil. And she’s being super to elephants by letting everyone know exactly which side circuses fall on: [Elephants] are super-emotional creatures, and to have that calf stripped of their mom by humans and … Read more »
PETA is calling for an investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) inspector general following the departure of the agency’s former deputy general counsel, Kenneth Vail—the man who was tasked with enforcing animal protection regulations for the USDA and who has now taken a job with the Ringling Bros. circus, which is counted among … Read more »
PETA has asked the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office to immediately release records related to the city’s decision to allow the Ringling Bros. circus to force ailing elephants to perform during its recent stint at the Staples Center despite expert advice to the contrary and despite apparently breaching the city’s own laws. Sound Advice When Ringling … Read more »
Update: PETA has just received word that following its submission of evidence of this cruel beating to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the agency’s Investigative and Enforcement Services has opened a formal investigation into the matter. Originally posted June 15: A security guard has reported that an animal attendant with Ringling Bros. and Barnum & … Read more »
