Harrah’s Draws PETA Protest Over Abusive Big-Cat Act

$5,000 Reward Offered for Documented Cruelty by Dirk Arthur

For Immediate Release:
July 2, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

PETA supporters will converge on Harrah’s Laughlin on Thursday to protest the opening-day performance of Dirk Arthur’s big-cat act, “Wild Magic.” Arthur was recently cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for painfully declawing two tigers and a lion, a procedure that involves amputating bones and has been prohibited for nearly a decade. Harrah’s continues to host Arthur’s performances, despite learning that the USDA recently cited him twice at Harrah’s Laughlin for multiple violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act and also issued him an official warning in January for violations that included keeping big cats in small, inadequate enclosures with unsafe, short fencing.

When:   Thursday, July 3, noon 

Where:  Main entrance of Harrah’s Laughlin, 2900 S. Casino Dr., Laughlin

“Harrah’s apparently hates animals and loves lawbreakers, because Dirk Arthur’s despicable history of cruelty to big cats and public endangerment should place him off-limits at any venue,” says PETA Senior Director Colleen O’Brien. “PETA is asking all kind people to stay away from any place that hosts such a despicable act.”

PETA is offering a reward of $5,000 to anyone who documents abuse of any animal used by Arthur if that documentation results in a conviction.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.