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Ringling Bros. is subject to comprehensive animal welfare regulations at the
federal, state and local levels:
Animal Welfare Act
The Animal Welfare Act provides the framework for the care, handling and
well-being of performing animals. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
enforces this law and visits the circus several times a year to make
unannounced inspections of our animals and the stable area. In all aspects of
animal care and safety, Ringling Bros. exceeds all federal animal welfare
standards and has never been found in violation of the Animal Welfare Act in
regard to abuse, neglect, or mistreatment of its animals. For more information
about the Animal Welfare Act, please visit the
USDA's Animal Care page.
Endangered Species Act
Administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Endangered Species Act
governs trade in endangered and threatened species. Under the ESA, individuals
and facilities such as Ringling Bros. that engage in captive breeding of
endangered species must obtain a Captive-bred Wildlife Registration and are
subject to certain oversight restrictions.
Convention on International
Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES)
Ringling Bros. also adheres to CITES, passed by the United Nations. This
international treaty, adopted by Congress in 1976, prohibits the removal of
Asian elephants and other endangered species from the wild. (Furthermore,
American laws prohibit the importation of Asian elephants from their native
habitat into the United States.) To learn more, visit the
CITES Website.
State & Local Oversight
Ringling Bros. is also governed by a network of state and local permitting
requirements and animal welfare laws and is subject to mandatory and/or
unannounced inspections. In all instances, Ringling Bros. has an open door
policy for authorized inspectors and has provided access to our facilities for
the training of humane and animal control officers.
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