Storm spares the elephants, but not their abusers
February 7th, 2007 by admin
Once in a while something happens that makes you wonder about the universe. Last week’s storms in central Florida caused tremendous damage and our hearts go out to the hundreds of suddenly homeless people and animals. At least one very strong tornado passed over the City of DeLand, the long-time winter home of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus (now known simply as the “Cole Bros. Circus”). Fortunately, the 100+ mph winds skipped over the circus’ property where two Asian elephants and other animals are kept between shows. But the home of the circus’ owners, John & Brigitte Pugh, was completely destroyed. The nearby home of the circus’ Vice President was also heavily damaged. (For details, read the Feb. 2 posting at this blog: http://bucklesw.blogspot.com) Although we do not wish harm to anyone, Mr. & Mrs. Pugh have made a lot of money off the backs of animals.
Some Cole Bros. history:
-In the past 10 years, at least five elephants with the Cole Bros. Circus have died.
-In 2003, the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited Cole Bros. after a handler struck an elephant twice with a broom handle. In 2000, USDA inspectors noted that two Cole Bros. elephants had bullhook scars. In 1999, the USDA charged Cole Bros. with violating the Animal Welfare Act; USDA undersecretary Michael Dunn stated, “We believe that on numerous occasions, employees of the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus abusively used an elephant hook on several animals” (the circus settled the charges by agreeing to spend $10,000 to improve elephant care).