RBBB Settlement With USDA

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Posted on Dec 7, 2011 in News | Comments Off

In an agreement dated November 23 of this year, Feld Entertainment Inc. (owner of Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) have reached a settlement to resolve alleged animal welfare violations spanning from June 2007 to August 2011. Feld will pay a civil penalty of $270,000 to the USDA. These allegations are based on the Animal welfare Act (AWA), which sets guidelines for the care given to animals in circuses. The USDA has stated that this penalty is the largest assessed so far under said act. The USDA is authorized to assess up to $10.000 per offense. Among the allegations claimed in the settlement are more than two dozen visits made by the USDA in which evidence of non-compliance with the standards set by the AWA was found, including those involving inhumane and abusive treatment of elephants and tigers. Feld has denied these claims. Feld has, however, also agreed to create and implement a new annual training program for all company employees working with and handling animals. CEO Of Feld Inc., Kenneth Feld, issued a statement regarding the settlement saying:  “We look forward to working with the USDA in a cooperative and transparent manner, we remain committed to complying with all requirements.” Tom Vilsack, the secretary of agriculture, also issued a statement on the USDA website: “This settlement sends a direct message to the public and to those who exhibit animals that the USDA will take all necessary steps to protect animals regulated under the Animal Welfare Act.” This settlement is considered a victory for many of those working towards and in support of animal welfare as it comes on the heels of a lawsuit by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Protection Institute. Last month a case was brought against Feld and then dismissed by a federal appeals court stating the organizations had no grounds to bring a lawsuit against Feld Inc. ■