HORSE TRAGEDY SHINES SPOTLIGHT ON SPATE OF RINGLING ANIMAL DEATHS
CONTROVERSIAL CIRCUS HAS FACED OVER ONE HUNDRED USDA CITATIONS SINCE 1993


Tuesday's death of Velasquez, the majestic palomino who led the unreined horse act in Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, is indicative of a host of problems rife within the controversial circus. In Defense of Animals (IDA) anticipates increased news coverage of the incident and urges reporters to include the views of animal advocates in their coverage. 

IDA has qualified spokespersons available, including a veterinarian. Please contact us at (415) 388-9641 or (757) 423-0093 or by email at Kristie@idausa.org to arrange for an interview or for more information.

Ringling appears to have little horse sense when it comes to animal care. In addition to the death of Velasquez, two Ringling horses were struck by a freight train as they were being unloaded from the circus train near Dayton, Ohio in May. One horse died instantly, and the other was euthanized at the scene. 

The ongoing deaths of circus animals, like Velasquez, are just the tip of the iceberg. Ringling has faced inquiries over two other questionable animal deaths since May alone.

Facts to Consider:

• Since 1993, Ringling Bros. has been cited for more than one hundred deficiencies in animal care during inspections conducted by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
  
• In less than two years, under Ringling's care, two baby elephants died, a caged tiger was shot to death, a horse who was forced to perform despite a chronic medical condition died, and a wild-caught sea lion was found dead in her transport container. 
  
• On August 5, Ringling destroyed an 8-month-old elephant named Riccardo after he suffered irreparable fractures to both hind legs when he fell off a circus pedestal.
  
• Ringling is currently under investigation by the USDA for the death of Clyde, a lion who expired during a sweltering train ride across the Mojave Desert last July. 
  
• Two earlier investigations involved complaints regarding a young elephant named Kenny, who was forced to perform while sick. Kenny later died. Ringling paid $20,000 to settle Kenny's case out of court.