Circus Responds to Allegations of Animal Cruelty

MCALLEN – A protest at the Carson and Barnes Circus gained local attention on social media and across the Valley. That protest happened right in front of the Carson and Barnes circus in McAllen, lasting about six hours. This goes after the circus has been accused of animal abuse for years.   

This is what protester and UTRGV student Jacqueline Reed had to say, “They have over 100 violations with the animal welfare act, which include things like not providing food, water, and shelter…There’s no reason for people to feel like they need to support a circus that is using animal abuse practices, when we have local ones that are much better.”

Jacqueline Reed is just one of the four protestors. She tells us that there is alleged proof of the animals being tortured. Reed and others are planning to meet with the Mayor of McAllen Jim Darling to put a permanent ban on the circus. 

The ban attempt is so that carson and barnes is not allowed to perform in the valley again. Reed created a petition to push for the ban, already reaching close to 5,000 signatures. 

McAllen is not the only city Reed is trying to reach out to, they have gotten in contact with all cities the circus is performing at. 

We reached out to Carson and Barnes for comment and this is what they had to say, “Don’t, be fooled, don’t be mislead, don’t be misinformed.”

Erik Bautista is the ringman for the Carson and Barnes Circus. He grew up raising exotic animals. 

“They eat all day long, the animals are healthy they’re strong they’re never starving, they drink a lot of water. Elephants drink from 40 to 50 gallons of water per day. There’s no easier way than to come and see it for yourself if you do not support circuses that’s fine you’d love animals, come out and spend time with them. See what really goes on behind the scenes,” said Bautista.  

In documents obtained from the circus, it reads in part, “Our animals are inspected almost every day by local authorities and agencies. They are also inspected regularly by the USDA and state authorities. Every thirty days we are required to have a local veterinarian inspect our animals and they are not allowed to travel without a clean bill of health.”

We also reached out to Carson and Barnes’ head veterinarian to find out more about what kind of health screenings the animals receive,  and are still waiting for a response. 

Push for signatures continue, and Reed also says that their attempt is to go to every city the circus is performing in. As for Carson and Barnes, they remain with the assurance that animals are receiving round a clock care and treatment as needed. 

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