Hanneford Family Circus

3291 W. Sunrise Blvd.
Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33311
USDA License #58-C-0666

Hanneford Family Circus 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 Hanneford Family Circus numerous times for failure to provide a veterinary care program and veterinary care records, as well as failure to provide proper food and secure enclosures. A Hanneford Family Circus elephant caused the death of a handler. Animals with Hanneford Family Circus are forced to perform up to three times per day, seven days a week, year-round at the Fort Lauderdale Swap Shop in Florida. Contact PETA for documentation.

Animals used in recent acts: 3 elephants, 2 tigers, and dogs.

August 21, 2002: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to allow access to the inspector to conduct an animal welfare inspection.

September 27, 2001: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to provide adequate drainage around the tiger enclosure. The inspector wrote, "[T]he water has a foul odor and is not being rapidly drained." The inspector also noted that the tiger named Jumanji "appear[ed] thin."

November 23, 1999: The circus failed to renew its USDA exhibitor license and had to reapply for a new license.

December 1, 1998: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to feed a balanced diet to its tiger. The inspector wrote, "The diet for the young tiger is significantly out of the accepted calcium/phosphorus ratio." The circus was also cited for storing toxic substances near the animals' hay, failure to have a veterinary care program, and incomplete acquisition records.

The inspector recommended that all personnel in contact with the elephants be tested for tuberculosis yearly.

February 6, 1998: Hanneford Family Circus was cited for inadequate record keeping.

January 13, 1998: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to provide adequate veterinary care. There were no current records of vaccinations, dewormings, foot care, or treatment for an elephant named Liz with an elbow problem.

July 1, 1997: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to correct a previously identified violation of not having a program of veterinary care.

The circus was also cited for a tiger cage in disrepair, inadequate record keeping, and failure to provide health certificates for animals brought from Florida to Iowa.

December 11, 1996: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to correct a previously identified violation of not having a program of veterinary care.

September 30, 1996: The USDA found that Hanneford's perimeter fence was not secure and strong enough to prevent animals from escaping, endangering both the animals and the general public. The circus was also cited for not having records of veterinary care and insufficient record keeping.

June 13, 1996: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to have a veterinary care program.

February 28, 1995: Hanneford Family Circus was cited for improper food storage and waste disposal.

April 29, 1993: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for failure to maintain veterinary care records. There were no current records of dewormings, vaccinations, or visits from a veterinarian. The circus was also cited for incomplete disposition records and improper feeding.

December 1, 1992: The USDA cited Hanneford Family Circus for insufficient watering, improper waste disposal, poor housekeeping, and inadequate pest control.

September 13, 1991: The USDA issued an official warning to Hanneford Family Circus for repeated failure to provide access to records and property, failure to provide required itinerary, and failure to maintain adequate records.

June 20, 1990: An elephant named Carol knocked down a handler, knelt down on his chest, and stepped on his head and leg. The handler died of multiple trauma and crushing injuries. The incident occurred as the elephants were being prepared for a performance at the Thunderbird Swap Shop. Carol is still with the Hanneford Family Circus and is believed to be giving rides to children.

For more information, contact:

PETA
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-622-7382

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