Get The Facts:
Circus Violations of the Animal Welfare Act
The following is a list of circuses warned or charged by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) with violating the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) since January 1995.
What’s Wrong with the Circus?
The circus is coming to town! This familiar phrase conjures vivid images of amazing acrobats, capering clowns ... and exotic animals. Unlike the human performers who choose to work in circuses, however, exotic animals are forced to take part in the show. They are involuntary actors in a degrading spectacle, forced into an unnatural life.
State Restrictions Governing Traveling Shows and Circuses in the U.S.
- Prohibits any animal on public exhibit or display from coming into contact with the general public. (ARIZ. ADMIN. CODE R12-4-428.)
Shrine Circuses
Shriners groups across the United States contract with various circus producers to hold circus events on behalf of the Shrine.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus Fact Sheet
Performing captive wildlife — elephants, lions, tigers, bears, baboons, monkeys, camels, llamas — all endure years of physical and psychological pain and suffering in traveling acts to “entertain” an uninformed audience.
Circus Gatti Fact Sheet
Performing captive wildlife — elephants, lions, tigers, bears, baboons, monkeys, camels, llamas — all endure years of physical and psychological pain and suffering in traveling acts to “entertain” an uninformed audience.
Cole Brothers Circus Fact Sheet
(formerly Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus)
Performing captive wildlife — elephants, lions, tigers, bears, baboons, monkeys, camels, llamas — all endure years of physical and psychological pain and suffering in traveling acts to “entertain” an uninformed audience.
Carson & Barnes Circus Fact Sheet
Performing captive wildlife — elephants, lions, tigers, bears, baboons, monkeys, camels, llamas — all endure years of physical and psychological pain and suffering in traveling acts to “entertain” an uninformed audience.
