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We Are All Animals; Circus Gatti Comes to Watsonville to Benefit the Police
MJG Entertainment, Inc's Circus Gatti, based in Hemet, California, operates approximately 450 circuses in 150 towns each year. The performances include acrobats, jugglers, a high-wire act and captive wildlife such as horses, tigers and elephants which are trained to entertain young children and their adults. On May 20th and 21st, Circus Gatti brought their show to Watsonville in a benefit for the Watsonville Police. People concerned about the rights of the animals being exploited by Circus Gatti were at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds holding signs, passing out flyers in english and spanish and speaking with circus-goers about the sad life of circus animals.
On May 21st, about a half dozen people concerned about animal rights decided to educate people attending the noon and 5:00pm circus held at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds in Watsonville. There were a few people who protested the circus on May 20th. Tigers, horses and elephants were being exploited for profit by Circus Gatti and the Watsonville Police.
Activists were able to outreach to almost everyone in attendance. Most people were very receptive to learning about the lifestyles and living conditions of circus animals. Many people said they were sorry they decided to go to the circus, they would not have gone if they had known about the animals and that they would not return next year.
A man who said his name was Yarrow Hoffman was furious with the people who were raising awareness about animals. Yarrow says that he owns the tigers and that the activists have no proof that his mistreats them. Yarrow was also angry at a female employee for the County Fairgrounds and demanded that she take action to remove the activists. She told Yarrow that the activists were not doing anything wrong and they were able to hold signs and pass out flyers as long they did not enter the gate after the ticket booth. Yarrow then pointed a couple of people holding a banner and insisted to the employee of the fairgrounds that, "these people are wanted by the FBI and they burn down buildings..."
Yarrow then called the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs to complain about the activists. It did not take long for three police cars to come speeding to the scene. This happened during the 12:00pm circus performance after Yarrow and his tigers finished their act.
Santa Cruz County Animal Services was called to inspect the conditions of the animals. An inspector named Todd showed up, did an inspection and found that none of the animals were sick, other than some broken toe nails. He said that it is the job of the USDA, not animal services, to determine in the cage is an adequate size for the animals. Although it was not his job, Todd said that he observed that the tigers were able to completely turn around and therefore the cages were adequate. He stressed that it was not his job to inspect the cages. A woman who requested that Animal Services do the inspection was not satisfied with Todd's findings and began requesting more information from him. She insisted that the tigers did not have room to fully stretch their bodies while inside the small transport cages in which they are held. With a smirk on his face, Todd drove away telling the woman to, "Say hi to Lisa Wathne." Lisa Wathne is an activist who works for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The activist was upset with Todd's remark about Lisa Wathne and insisted that she was not working for PETA.
There were more people who showed up to see the 5:00pm performance. Since there were more people, the line to buy tickets was longer and this gave circus-goers more time to engage with the animal rights activists. Again, many people were upset when they began to think about how it must feel to be an animal forced to live in captivity and perform in a circus. A group of six people walked back to their car and decided to not support the circus even though they made plans to see it and were already at the fairgrounds.
Activists were able to outreach to almost everyone in attendance. Most people were very receptive to learning about the lifestyles and living conditions of circus animals. Many people said they were sorry they decided to go to the circus, they would not have gone if they had known about the animals and that they would not return next year.
A man who said his name was Yarrow Hoffman was furious with the people who were raising awareness about animals. Yarrow says that he owns the tigers and that the activists have no proof that his mistreats them. Yarrow was also angry at a female employee for the County Fairgrounds and demanded that she take action to remove the activists. She told Yarrow that the activists were not doing anything wrong and they were able to hold signs and pass out flyers as long they did not enter the gate after the ticket booth. Yarrow then pointed a couple of people holding a banner and insisted to the employee of the fairgrounds that, "these people are wanted by the FBI and they burn down buildings..."
Yarrow then called the Santa Cruz County Sheriffs to complain about the activists. It did not take long for three police cars to come speeding to the scene. This happened during the 12:00pm circus performance after Yarrow and his tigers finished their act.
Santa Cruz County Animal Services was called to inspect the conditions of the animals. An inspector named Todd showed up, did an inspection and found that none of the animals were sick, other than some broken toe nails. He said that it is the job of the USDA, not animal services, to determine in the cage is an adequate size for the animals. Although it was not his job, Todd said that he observed that the tigers were able to completely turn around and therefore the cages were adequate. He stressed that it was not his job to inspect the cages. A woman who requested that Animal Services do the inspection was not satisfied with Todd's findings and began requesting more information from him. She insisted that the tigers did not have room to fully stretch their bodies while inside the small transport cages in which they are held. With a smirk on his face, Todd drove away telling the woman to, "Say hi to Lisa Wathne." Lisa Wathne is an activist who works for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). The activist was upset with Todd's remark about Lisa Wathne and insisted that she was not working for PETA.
There were more people who showed up to see the 5:00pm performance. Since there were more people, the line to buy tickets was longer and this gave circus-goers more time to engage with the animal rights activists. Again, many people were upset when they began to think about how it must feel to be an animal forced to live in captivity and perform in a circus. A group of six people walked back to their car and decided to not support the circus even though they made plans to see it and were already at the fairgrounds.
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Event Name: Watsonville Police Circus
Contact: Officer Brian Ridgeway 831-471-1151 for more information.
Event Start Date: Saturday, 20 May, 2006
Contact: Officer Brian Ridgeway 831-471-1151 for more information.
Event Start Date: Saturday, 20 May, 2006
Get The Facts:
Circus Gatti Fact Sheet
Performing captive wildlife — elephants, lions, tigers, bears, baboons, monkeys, camels, llamas — all endure years of physical and psychological pain and suffering in traveling acts to “entertain” an uninformed audience.
Circus Gatti has failed to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Circus Gatti for repeatedly failing to provide structurally sound enclosures.
For more information, copies of USDA Inspection Reports, etc., contact the Animal Protection Institute at info [at] api4animals.org.
05/10/02
Cash, an 8-year-old Siberian tiger with Circus Gatti, refused to return to his cage following a performance, prompting the evacuation of spectators from the arena. Both Sacramento police and SWAT teams were dispatched to the scene. The tiger was eventually tranquilized and returned to his cage. (Sacramento Police Department Incident Report)
03/29/02
The USDA again cited Circus Gatti for failure to submit an updated traveling itinerary to USDA. The itinerary ensures that Animal Care knows the circus’s whereabouts in order to make inspections. (USDA Inspection Report)
09/18/01
The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to supply an updated traveling itinerary that would allow the agency to make unannounced inspections. Itineraries are required to be updated with each schedule change. (USDA Inspection Report)
07/00/98
The city of Richmond, CA unsuccessfully attempted to collect a $10,620 balance owed by Circus Gatti for a May 1998 circus show. (San Francisco Chronicle)
06/08/98
A USDA inspector noted that the elephants, trainers, and handlers have not been tested for tuberculosis. (USDA Inspection Report)
01/26/98
The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the structural strength of the elephant barn floor. This is a previously identified noncompliance that had not been corrected. The inspector also noted that the ventilation of the transport trailer “could be less than adequate in extreme hot weather conditions.” (USDA Inspection Report)
06/25/97
The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant barn. (USDA Inspection Report)
06/19/97
The USDA noted that Circus Gatti needs to update its written plan for veterinary care. (USDA Inspection Report)
07/07/90
During the chimpanzee act, two chimps, while collared and leashed, dragged their trainer out of the ring, grabbed a child from the audience bringing her back into the ring, and mauled her. (The Oregonian)
http://www.api4animals.org/facts?p=423&more=1cat=288
Circus Gatti Fact Sheet
Performing captive wildlife — elephants, lions, tigers, bears, baboons, monkeys, camels, llamas — all endure years of physical and psychological pain and suffering in traveling acts to “entertain” an uninformed audience.
Circus Gatti has failed to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Circus Gatti for repeatedly failing to provide structurally sound enclosures.
For more information, copies of USDA Inspection Reports, etc., contact the Animal Protection Institute at info [at] api4animals.org.
05/10/02
Cash, an 8-year-old Siberian tiger with Circus Gatti, refused to return to his cage following a performance, prompting the evacuation of spectators from the arena. Both Sacramento police and SWAT teams were dispatched to the scene. The tiger was eventually tranquilized and returned to his cage. (Sacramento Police Department Incident Report)
03/29/02
The USDA again cited Circus Gatti for failure to submit an updated traveling itinerary to USDA. The itinerary ensures that Animal Care knows the circus’s whereabouts in order to make inspections. (USDA Inspection Report)
09/18/01
The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to supply an updated traveling itinerary that would allow the agency to make unannounced inspections. Itineraries are required to be updated with each schedule change. (USDA Inspection Report)
07/00/98
The city of Richmond, CA unsuccessfully attempted to collect a $10,620 balance owed by Circus Gatti for a May 1998 circus show. (San Francisco Chronicle)
06/08/98
A USDA inspector noted that the elephants, trainers, and handlers have not been tested for tuberculosis. (USDA Inspection Report)
01/26/98
The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the structural strength of the elephant barn floor. This is a previously identified noncompliance that had not been corrected. The inspector also noted that the ventilation of the transport trailer “could be less than adequate in extreme hot weather conditions.” (USDA Inspection Report)
06/25/97
The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant barn. (USDA Inspection Report)
06/19/97
The USDA noted that Circus Gatti needs to update its written plan for veterinary care. (USDA Inspection Report)
07/07/90
During the chimpanzee act, two chimps, while collared and leashed, dragged their trainer out of the ring, grabbed a child from the audience bringing her back into the ring, and mauled her. (The Oregonian)
http://www.api4animals.org/facts?p=423&more=1cat=288
Circus Gatti
34321 Simpson Rd.
Hemet, CA 92545
USDA License #93-C-0091
Circus Gatti has failed to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Circus Gatti for repeatedly failing to provide structurally sound enclosures. Contact PETA for documentation.
Animals used in recent acts: tigers, dogs, monkeys, ponies, and elephants.
March 29, 2002: Circus Gatti was cited for failure to provide a USDA official with access to animals, records, and property for the purpose of conducting an animal welfare inspection.
January 31, 2002: A USDA inspector noted that Circus Gatti was leasing its animal acts from other licensed exhibitors.
September 18, 2001: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to supply the required itinerary that allows the agency to make unannounced inspections.
July 1998: Circus Gatti refused to pay a $10,620 balance owed to the city of Richmond, Calif., for a May 1998 circus show.
June 8, 1998: A USDA inspector noted that the elephants, trainers, and handlers have not been tested for tuberculosis.
January 26, 1998: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for noncompliance with the AWA for problems with the structure of its elephant barn. The inspector noted, "This is a notice that you have had the same violation(s) documented on the last two inspections. You are being given the opportunity to correct these violations. If similar violations are documented on subsequent inspections, all past and future violations may be used as evidence for formal legal action against you."
June 25, 1997: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for noncompliance with the AWA for problems with its primary enclosures for the animals.
March 9, 1995: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the transport trailer.
August 1994: A tiger was caught in a flaming hoop while "performing" in the circus.
May 1994: According to a complaint filed with the USDA, Circus Gatti tied a pony up and then repeatedly beat the animal. The complaint stated, "The trainer was hitting this pony so violently with the whip that you could hear the cracking of the whip from the stands." Nothing was done by the USDA about this beating because horses have no protection under the AWA.
December 21, 1993: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant barn and travel trailer, failure to provide a safely-constructed exercise pen for the elephants, and failure to provide records of veterinary care.
October 9, 1992: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant enclosure.
March 1991: A letter from the city of Palm Springs, Calif., states, "We also did a little investigating on our own and what we learned opened our eyes concerning this matter. Due to the overwhelming concern expressed regarding the inhumane treatment of circus animals, the Palm Springs Police Officers Association is looking for other avenues of fundraising and will not renew a contract with Circus Gatti."
July 7, 1990: While performing in Portland, Ore., two chimps dragged the trainer into the audience and mauled a child in the audience.
May 1990: A report was filed with the Palm Springs, Calif., police department for mistreatment of elephants with electricity. When the police questioned circus representatives, the circus stated it only uses electricity to "clean up" the difficult animals. The trainer demonstrated to the officer that the threat of using electricity on the elephants causes the elephant to scream "as if in pain." The trainer also stated that it was illegal to use electricity in California and he has to wait until he gets back to Arizona.
For more information, contact:
PETA
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-622-7382
http://www.circuses.com/fact-gatti.asp
34321 Simpson Rd.
Hemet, CA 92545
USDA License #93-C-0091
Circus Gatti has failed to meet minimal federal standards for the care of animals used in exhibition as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited Circus Gatti for repeatedly failing to provide structurally sound enclosures. Contact PETA for documentation.
Animals used in recent acts: tigers, dogs, monkeys, ponies, and elephants.
March 29, 2002: Circus Gatti was cited for failure to provide a USDA official with access to animals, records, and property for the purpose of conducting an animal welfare inspection.
January 31, 2002: A USDA inspector noted that Circus Gatti was leasing its animal acts from other licensed exhibitors.
September 18, 2001: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to supply the required itinerary that allows the agency to make unannounced inspections.
July 1998: Circus Gatti refused to pay a $10,620 balance owed to the city of Richmond, Calif., for a May 1998 circus show.
June 8, 1998: A USDA inspector noted that the elephants, trainers, and handlers have not been tested for tuberculosis.
January 26, 1998: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for noncompliance with the AWA for problems with the structure of its elephant barn. The inspector noted, "This is a notice that you have had the same violation(s) documented on the last two inspections. You are being given the opportunity to correct these violations. If similar violations are documented on subsequent inspections, all past and future violations may be used as evidence for formal legal action against you."
June 25, 1997: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for noncompliance with the AWA for problems with its primary enclosures for the animals.
March 9, 1995: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the transport trailer.
August 1994: A tiger was caught in a flaming hoop while "performing" in the circus.
May 1994: According to a complaint filed with the USDA, Circus Gatti tied a pony up and then repeatedly beat the animal. The complaint stated, "The trainer was hitting this pony so violently with the whip that you could hear the cracking of the whip from the stands." Nothing was done by the USDA about this beating because horses have no protection under the AWA.
December 21, 1993: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant barn and travel trailer, failure to provide a safely-constructed exercise pen for the elephants, and failure to provide records of veterinary care.
October 9, 1992: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant enclosure.
March 1991: A letter from the city of Palm Springs, Calif., states, "We also did a little investigating on our own and what we learned opened our eyes concerning this matter. Due to the overwhelming concern expressed regarding the inhumane treatment of circus animals, the Palm Springs Police Officers Association is looking for other avenues of fundraising and will not renew a contract with Circus Gatti."
July 7, 1990: While performing in Portland, Ore., two chimps dragged the trainer into the audience and mauled a child in the audience.
May 1990: A report was filed with the Palm Springs, Calif., police department for mistreatment of elephants with electricity. When the police questioned circus representatives, the circus stated it only uses electricity to "clean up" the difficult animals. The trainer demonstrated to the officer that the threat of using electricity on the elephants causes the elephant to scream "as if in pain." The trainer also stated that it was illegal to use electricity in California and he has to wait until he gets back to Arizona.
For more information, contact:
PETA
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-622-7382
http://www.circuses.com/fact-gatti.asp
"The trainer demonstrated to the officer that the threat of using electricity on the elephants causes the elephant to scream "as if in pain." The trainer also stated that it was illegal to use electricity in California and he has to wait until he gets back to Arizona."
So sad. That one says it all.
So sad. That one says it all.
A Circus Gatti thug sent out to intimidate us, upset by our peaceful protest, handing out informational leaflets to circus-goers.
Sadness is... this is the level of professionalism of those handling the noble giants, elephants Patty and Tika, inside...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiHWyd_aSrs
Sadness is... this is the level of professionalism of those handling the noble giants, elephants Patty and Tika, inside...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiHWyd_aSrs
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