Shrine cirucus under USDA investigation

[Guest guest]

The Shrine Circus will be here November 9-17 Circus coming to Yuma is under investigation BY JACKIE LEATHERMAN, SUN ASSOCIATE EDITOR-ASSIGNMENTS September 27, 2007 - 11:25PM PHOTO BY BENJAMIN HAGER/THE SUN Yuma activist Ed Snook is trying to get the word out about alleged animal cruelty associated with the visiting circus. A circus

that is being investigated by the federal government for the possible mistreatment of animals is setting up its big tent in Yuma Saturday. And members of the Animal Defenders of Yuma will be there waiting. "Every aspect of the animals being in the circus is inherently cruel," said Tammy Snook, one of the co-founders of the local organization. "The training, the transport and the performances - and that is basically their whole life." Snook and her husband, Ed, formed the animal rights group in Yuma two years ago. Snook said this is the group's first "peaceful demonstration." The Yuma Shrine Club has booked the Jordan World Circus at the Yuma County Fairgrounds on and off during the last decade. The event is part of the national Shrine Circus, which raises money for children's hospitals. Jessica Milteer, a public affairs specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, said in a

voicemail left at The Sun that the USDA "has gotten some complaints recently about the circus and we are looking into them." Milteer also said the circus paid $2,475 in restitution for "non-compliant items with animal handling and veterinary care." Milteer could not be reached for clarifying comment Thursday as to when the circus paid the fines or to verify the nature of any of the complaints. Messages left with the Jordan World Circus were not returned. Douglas Holbert, president of the Yuma Shrine Club, invited anyone to come and view the care and treatment of animals while the circus is in Yuma. "If there was any mistreatment of animals, I would be the first one in line to complain," he said. "I would not allow that to happen." In regards to the complaints filed with the federal government, Holbert said he did not know about them, but he said he would be surprised if it was anything other than a "minor infraction.A lot

of people will protest just to protest without any facts or evidence of whatever," he said. Ed Snook e-mailed The Sun eight documents that showed inspections of Jordan Productions by the USDA from 1993 through 1998. The 1998 inspections showed one month's worth of meat being stored at 32 degrees rather than 20 degrees; adequate space in enclosures to transport animals but not for housing; and exposed insulation in a camel trailer that they could ingest. It was also reported in July 1998 that two tigers were limping and wobbling during a performance in Farmington, Utah, were "resentful in performing their work" and were required to be examined by a veterinarian before the next performance. A report also states people were striking the mobile enclosure of at least one tiger, which was difficult to get into the ring, with 3 to 4-foot rods. "This type of handling causes unnecessary discomfort, stress, may cause physical harm to the animal and is

abusive," the report states. The corrected action called to "immediately cease abusive treatment of any animals... " The Sun was unable to confirm the official reports with the USDA. Tammy Snook said the demonstration will take place on a public right of way and that she has informed the Yuma Police Department of the organization's intent. She said the location of the demonstration would depend on the where traffic was being routed into the circus. She said she expects roughly 10 people to participate by holding signs and passing out fliers. "There are a lot of people that just truly do not know that this abuse is so pervasive," she said. "I think some people will truly want to know or have more information." Holbert said he didn't believe the demonstration would have an effect on Saturday's attendance. --- WHAT: Jordan World Circus WHEN: Gates open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7 p.m. Saturday, one show only

WHERE: Yuma County Fairgrounds, Pacific Avenue and 32nd Street HOW MUCH: Adult tickets $16, children free If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals. -Albert Einstein