D'Arcy Norman | cc by 2.0

Never doubt the power of your pocketbook: The Piccadilly Circus, which is currently touring California, is canceling performances left and right, reportedly because of low ticket sales. PETA's complaint to California officials about the circus's cruel kangaroo boxing show – which authorities in the state consider illegal – may also have played a role in the cancelations.

The boxing kangaroo act entails antagonizing a costumed kangaroo named Rocky into defending himself against his handler and audience members in a boxing ring. At least two kangaroos previously used in this act have died—one from a bacterial disease that can result from severe crowding, poor hygiene, poor diet, and stressful conditions.

Help us keep up the pressure: If Piccadilly Circus is coming to your town, click here for help speaking out against them—and please don't buy a ticket.

It sounds like a bit from a Jeff Foxworthy routine, but unfortunately, these rednecks aren't kidding: The Piccadilly Circus is hauling around a diapered kangaroo named Rocky and forcing him to "fight" in boxing matches. PETA has asked officials in Pueblo, Colorado, the circus's next stop, to enforce an ordinance that prohibits animals from being mistreated or abused and to stop the show from taking place. Regardless of where you live, please let Pueblo officials know that you expect them to pull the plug on this cruel show.

Rocky is clearly stressed and has charged people during photo shoots and chewed on his own arm, and although restrained, he has attempted to flee the ring during the act. Javier Martinez, the exhibitor responsible for this spectacle, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for failing to handle a kangaroo in a manner that does not cause trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort while in Pueblo in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

At least two kangaroos used in Martinez's "boxing" act have died while touring with a circus, including one who died from complications of a deadly bacterial disease called "lumpy jaw," which can result from severe crowding, poor hygiene, poor diet, and stressful conditions.

Put the pressure on Pueblo officials by sending them an e-mail today and urging them to KO the kangaroo boxing act.

Written by Jennifer O'Connor

Update: PETA has filed a complaint with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission regarding Rocky's suffering, and the agency has confirmed that it has opened an investigation into the matter. We have not received word from the commission on their findings yet, but members of the boxing community are weighing in on the matter – UFC welterweight Thiago Alves is spreading the word on Twitter. Please join him in pushing for Rocky's rescue.

Please thank the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for pursuing an investigation and let the commission know that you find the act cruel and objectionable. Call the commission at 1-888-404-3922 or submit a comment here. 
 

It's hard to believe that anyone would haul around a diapered, distressed kangaroo and force him to box, but exhibitor Javier Martinez, who is currently traveling with the Piccadilly Circus, is doing just that. PETA has sent a complaint to the Florida State Boxing Commission (FSBC) and the Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation urging them to intervene to stop the illegal "Rocky Show Circus," which is traveling throughout Florida. Boxing matches must be licensed by the FSBC, and there is no evidence that Martinez has complied.

D'Arcy Norman/cc by 2.0

 
Martinez, who dresses up a kangaroo named Rocky and taunts him into fighting back, has been repeatedly cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failure to provide adequate veterinary care and safe animal enclosures. Rocky is clearly stressed and has charged people during photo shoots, chewed on his own arm, and attempted to flee the ring during the act.

At least two kangaroos used in Martinez's boxing act have died while touring with a circus, including one who died while traveling with UniverSoul Circus from complications of a deadly bacterial disease called "lumpy jaw," which can result from severe crowding, poor hygiene, poor diet, and stressful conditions.

Please only attend innovative, exciting circuses that don’t exploit animals, like Cirque du Soleil. Here’s a complete list. 
 

Written by Jennifer O'Connor