PETA Calls On Police Chief to Halt Illegal Kangaroo Boxing Act

Circus Holding Event Has Abysmal History of Animal Welfare Violations

For Immediate Release:
January 31, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Oxford, Miss. -- PETA has lodged urgent complaints with Oxford Police Chief Joey East, officials of the Oxford-Lafayette Humane Society, and the Mississippi National Guard urging them to forbid any boxing matches between a human and a kangaroo put on by the Star Family Circus, which is scheduled to perform at the National Guard Armory in Oxford on February 13. In the complaints, PETA points out that forcing kangaroos to box with humans violates the city's statutes prohibiting cruelty to animals because it is known to be traumatic to these naturally gentle animals. In addition, kangaroos kept for such events have developed stress-related illnesses and physical conditions and have even died. The Oxford City Code clearly states that "[i]t shall be unlawful for any person to keep or harbor any wild animal within the city limits." The code also prohibits inflicting unjustifiable suffering upon animals. The Star Family Circus has a long history of animal welfare violations, including denying kangaroos adequate veterinary care.

"Physical fights between humans and kangaroos—or any other animals—have no place in modern society and certainly not in Oxford, where they're clearly illegal," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "We are asking Oxford to take immediate action to stop this archaic and illegal spectacle."

In kangaroo boxing, the skittish animals are taunted into defending themselves under conditions that are unnatural, unfamiliar, and detrimental to their health. At least two kangaroos used for boxing matches in circus performances have died while touring, one from complications of "lumpy jaw," a disease that can result from extreme crowding, poor hygiene and diet, and stressful conditions.

Columbus, Ind., and Oakland, Calif., have shut down kangaroo boxing matches because they violated their respective laws.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.