Caged ‘Tigers’ to Protest Riviera’s Planned Big-Cat Show

PETA Beauties to Call On Venue to Sever Ties With Notorious Big-Cat Abuser Dirk Arthur

For Immediate Release:
November 18, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Two caged “tigers”—decked out in striped masks and sleek leotards—will take notorious animal abuser Dirk Arthur to task in a demonstration outside the Riviera Hotel & Casino on Wednesday, joined by a throng of other PETA members in advance of Arthur’s show “Wild Illusions.” PETA is asking the Riviera to cancel the show, which is scheduled to open in December, because of Arthur’s disturbing history of animal welfare violations. This move would follow the lead of Caesars Entertainment, which pledged never to work with him again.

When:   Wednesday, November 19, 12 p.m.

Where:  Riviera Hotel & Casino, S. Las Vegas and Riviera boulevards, Las Vegas

“Vegas venues are dropping big-cat acts left and right as the public sees them for what they truly are: cruel and archaic relics,” says PETA Foundation Deputy General Counsel Delcianna Winders. “PETA is asking the Riviera to show Arthur the door and calling on caring people everywhere to avoid any establishment that hosts his cruel shows.”

During Arthur’s stint last December at Harrah’s, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) cited him for numerous violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including forcing big cats to undergo painful declawing procedures—which involve amputating part of each toe—in violation of long-standing USDA policy. The agency also cited him for confining a snow leopard and a bobcat to unsafe enclosures, failing to use adequate barriers to protect the animals and the public, and denying the cats the opportunity to exercise and even sufficient space to “make normal postural and social adjustments.” The USDA subsequently issued Arthur an official warning for confining the snow leopard and bobcat to unsafe enclosures.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.