Dear :
I am very upset
to learn that [name] had added a circus using animal acts to the
schedule. I urge you to implement a formal policy against the use of
animal acts and schedule only cruelty-free events.
Royal
Hanneford Circus has failed to meet minimal federal standards for the
care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare
Act (AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited
Royal Hanneford numerous times for failure to provide veterinary care
and meet minimum space requirements. An elephant with Royal Hanneford
rampaged during a performance, causing spectators to run for safety.
Please consider the following:
--April 13, 2000: The
USDA confirmed that a Royal Hanneford elephant named Tina had tested
positive for tuberculosis and that its other two elephants, Ina and
Chandra, had been exposed. The three elephants were returned to Royal
Hanneford’s winter quarters for several months of tuberculosis
treatment.
--December 27, 1999: The USDA cited Royal Hanneford
for failure to provide a veterinarian’s diagnosis and prescribed
treatment for an elephant with infected nails and an elephant with an
arthritic hip. Royal Hanneford was also cited for failure to have five
elephant handlers tested for tuberculosis.
--February 21, 1999:
An elephant with Royal Hanneford rampaged during a performance in
Poughkeepsie, N.Y. According to eyewitnesses, the elephant left the ring
and ran into the bleachers. In a panic, spectators tripped and fell
trying to get away from the elephant.
--February 11, 1999: The
USDA cited Royal Hanneford for failure to provide adequate veterinary
care to elephants who were in need of foot care.
--Royal
Hanneford was cited for failure to provide adequate space for the
elephants. The inspector noted that the chains used on the elephants
were too short, which prevented them from lying down, grooming
themselves, and moving their feet.
--Royal Hanneford was cited
for feeding elephants poor-quality hay.
--October 14, 1998: The
USDA cited Royal Hanneford for insufficient veterinary care. The
inspector noted, "The elephant Tina’s front feet are in need of foot
care."
--September 14, 1998: A zebra with Royal Hanneford
escaped and was found by police wandering along a busy roadway in
Charlotte, N.C.
--June 4, 1998: The USDA cited Royal Hanneford
for insufficient veterinary care. The inspector noted, "Chandra, the
largest female elephant, is in need of foot care."
--October 7,
1997: The USDA cited Royal Hanneford for using inappropriate flooring in
the dog and cat enclosures. The circus was cited a second time for not
providing sufficient space for the dogs. The inspector noted that "a
large dog is housed in an enclosure that is 29"x25"x22" high; the dog is
23" long and 20" tall at the top of its head. The enclosure does not
meet required floor space." The circus was also cited for failure to
have an exercise plan, identification, and records for the dogs.
--July 11, 1997: The USDA cited Royal Hanneford for failing to
provide sufficient space for the dogs. The inspector noted that the dogs
had less than 6 inches of headroom.
--March 22, 1996: The USDA
cited Royal Hanneford for not having records of medical treatment for
the elephants’ feet.
--December 6, 1995: The USDA cited Royal
Hanneford for drainage problems in the elephant barn. The inspector
noted, "Urine was pooled at the back corner of elephant barn. ... The
elephants’ pads and cuticles were overgrown." This could cause serious
problems with elephants. Elephants’ feet are prone to foot rot, which
eventually can cripple the animal. The inspector also cited Royal
Hanneford for failure to keep records of veterinary care.
--January 13, 1994: The USDA cited Royal Hanneford for
insufficient caging for a leopard, a member of an endangered species.
The cage did not provide the simple comfort of a board on which the big
cat could rest.
--June 23, 1993: The USDA cited Royal Hanneford
for failure to provide a program of veterinary care.
--January
5, 1993: During an attempted inspection, a USDA official noted that
there was a "failure to make premises, animals, and records available
for inspection."
Please, for the sake of the animals and the
safety of the public, implement a formal policy against the use of
animal acts and schedule only cruelty-free events. Until that time, I
will encourage my friends, family, and business associates to boycott
[name].
Thank you for your time and
consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Address -
optional]
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