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,

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