Circus charged under AWA Sarasota, FL (US) Incident Date: Monday, Feb 10, 1997 County: Sarasota Local Map: available Disposition: USDA Citation Person of Interest: John Walker

Case ID: 6012 Classification: Neglect / Abandonment Animal: captive exotic View more cases in FL (US) Login to Watch this Case

The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently charged animal exhibitor John Walker, doing business as the Walker Brothers' Circus in Sarasota, Fla., with violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

"These charges are very serious," said W. Ron DeHaven. "The Animal Welfare Act, designed to provide for and protect animals, was allegedly ignored. Not only were animal lives in danger, but human lives as well. This sort of behavior cannot be tolerated." DeHaven is the acting deputy administrator for animal care with the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, a part of USDA's marketing and regulatory programs mission area.

APHIS inspectors found that Walker operated without a license and failed to:

-- Maintain complete records showing the acquisition, disposition, and identification of animals;

-- Maintain programs of disease control and prevention, euthanasia, and adequate veterinary care under the supervision and assistance of a doctor of veterinary medicine;

-- Provide a sufficient distance or barrier between animals and the general viewing public so as to assure the safety of the animals and the public;

-- Place animals under the direct control and supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced animal handler; and

-- Transport animals in structurally sound enclosures and maintain these enclosures in good repair so as to protect the animals from injury.

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References

USDA - February 10, 1997

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