Circus Brings USDA-Documented Animal Cruelty to Dallas

In Defense of Animals Asks Public to Boycott Circus Vazquez

Dallas, Texas—A controversial circus with animal acts under multiple federal investigations opens tonight in Dallas (10108 Harry Hines Blvd., Harry Hines & Northwest Hwy.) and In Defense of Animals (IDA) is warning Dallas citizens to boycott Circus Vazquez due to its history of animal welfare violations.

Recently, Circus Vazquez' tiger act was cited for violating the Animal Welfare Act for a March 31, 2008 fatal, tiger-on-tiger mauling, which followed numerous, previous U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) citations for failing to provide the tigers adequate space. In addition, the elephant act that Circus Vazquez has hired is under investigations by the USDA for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service investigated the elephant handlers, confirmed violation of the Endangered Species Act and is referring the case for prosecution.

"The citizens of Dallas should not be party to the cruel and negligent treatment of animals in Circus Vazquez," wrote Elliot Katz, DVM, president of IDA. "We urge people to boycott the circus due to both public safety and animal welfare concerns."

In the March 31 incident, a Circus Vazquez tiger was attacked, nearly decapitated, and killed by one or more of her cage mates after the circus left six tigers crammed together in one cage. The Vazquez' troubles are not limited to tigers. Since February 2008, Circus Vazquez has been traveling with elephant handler Will Davenport. In the past year, the Davenport family has been repeatedly cited by the USDA for inhumane handling and failure to provide adequate veterinary care to three elephants, named Queenie, Tina and Jewel. The City of Los Angeles recently ordered Will Davenport out of the city because of his terrible record.

In 2000, Circus Vazquez was involved in smuggling an elephant into Mexico, a crime for which the circus' owner was convicted in Mexico. That elephant is believed to be at the African Safari Park in Mexico, the same park to which Dallas Zoo officials recently announced they were sending their lone elephant, Jenny. In 2001, two elephants traveling with the circus rampaged through a church, nearly trampling two people, and causing an estimated $75,000 in damages.

IDA has an active campaign to improve the plight of captive elephants. The organization is also vigorously opposing the Dallas Zoo's attempt to dump its sole surviving elephant in Mexico and is advocating that Jenny instead be sent to an elephant sanctuary in Tennessee.

For more information see www.helpelephants.com.