UPDATE: After receiving a complaint from PETA about the incident below, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the exhibitor who provided the tiger to UniverSoul for handling the tiger in a manner that caused her stress and unnecessary discomfort. The exhibitor was also cited for failing to maintain the tiger's enclosure in a manner that would protect her from injury. 

This is not the first time that this exhibitor has violated federal law. In 2008, he was ordered to pay a $6,000 penalty after two tigers escaped while touring with UniverSoul. In the past year, he has been cited for failing to provide big cats with a proper diet and feeding big cats unsafely handled meat.

Video footage of a tiger traveling with the UniverSoul Circus showing his foot trapped beneath the sliding door to his cage has prompted PETA to fire off a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Indianapolis Animal Care & Control asking for an immediate investigation into the animal's condition. The video shows the tiger struggling to free his foot, panting, and in obvious distress.

 
UniverSoul rents its animal acts from exhibitors who have dismal records of animal care. The USDA has repeatedly cited UniverSoul's animal exhibitors for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failure to provide veterinary care, medical records, and adequate space. Undercover video footage shows one exhibitor UniverSoul has used—Tim Frisco of the Carson & Barnes Circus—viciously attacking elephants with a bullhook as they scream in pain. The circus has also had at least three tiger escapes.

Please tell the USDA that you expect it to take immediate action to assess this tiger's condition.

Written by Jennifer O'Connor

It's official: The Carson & Barnes Circus puts people and animals at risk. Coming on the heels of three complaints that PETA filed about the circus's dangerous animal-handling methods, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited the circus for handling elephants in a cruel and dangerous manner. In one instance, a handler answered his cell phone and walked away even though an adult and six children were riding on an elephant's back.

The inspector also noted that a handler with no elephant experience repeatedly used "excessive force while tugging at the elephant [Viola] with" a bullhook. The report also notes "many instances" in which elephants who were being used for rides were not under the direct control and supervision of a handler, creating a "risk of serious injury to members of the public." Carson & Barnes was cited for not having a sufficient distance and/or an appropriate barrier between the elephants and members of the public, making it possible for a spectator to grab an elephant's trunk.

Please never buy a ticket to any circus that uses animals. And if you've already made the mistake of buying a ticket to the Carson & Barnes Circus, you may be entitled to a refund.

 
Written by Jennifer O'Connor

Despite undercover footage of Ringling and Carson & Barnes Circus showing that they treat animals cruelly, both circuses are still trying to deceive people to keep their sales alive. PETA knows that these circuses hurt elephants, and we want to force them to come clean.  

 
We believe that both of these big-top bullies are illegally deceiving the public and must give refunds and monetary restitution to people who were tricked into purchasing tickets, only to be horrified when they learned the truth about what their money supported. So if you or someone you know is a California resident who bought a ticket for one of these shows and would like a refund, call us today at  757-373-0968.

Written by Michelle Sherrow