King Royal Circus

P.O. Box 683
Von Ormy, TX 78073
USDA License #74-C-205

King Royal 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 King Royal Circus numerous times for failing to provide proper veterinary care, failure to provide appropriate space, failure to handle animals humanely (inspection reports available).

August 6, 1997: Albuquerque, New Mexico: King Royal Circus crammed 3 elephants and 8 llamas into a poorly ventilated trailer which resulted in the death of one baby elephant named Heather. Police estimated the temperature inside the trailer to be approximately 120 degrees. In December, the USDA permanently revoked King Royal's license and fined them $200,000.

August 12, 1996: USDA charged King Royal exhibitor/trainer Bela Tabek $10,000.00 for violations of the Animal Welfare Act and revoked his license. USDA found the violations in the area of treatment to the animals.

April 16, 1996: USDA charged King Royal Circus with a civil penalty of $8,000.00 (copy of charges available). King Royal Circus failed to :

1. Handle animal in a manner that prevents trauma, behavioral stress, physical harm, and unnecessary discomfort to animals.
2. Abstain from physical abuse on animals.
3. Maintain records of the acquisition, disposition, description and identification of animals, as required.
4. Have dangerous animals under direct control and supervised by a knowledgeable and experienced animal handler during public exhibition.
5. Maintain the transportation cargo containers in good repair.
6. Maintain structurally sound animal housing facilities to protect animals from injury.

This fine arose from the beating of a baby elephant named Mickey who refused to do a trick and attempted to run out of the circus tent. The trainer repeatedly struck the baby with a sharpened bullhook causing the animal to bleed and scream. All of this was witnessed and videotaped by spectators at the circus.The trainer was arrested and released on $500 bail and later charged with violations of the Animal Welfare Act. He stated that his use of the bull hook "is standard throughout the circus industry." King Royal Circus defended the cruel treatment of Mickey.

January 1996: The USDA cited the King Royal Circus for insufficient enclosures for animals. The enclosures were in desperate need of repairs.

December 4, 1995: The USDA cited King Royal for insufficient perimeter fencing, primary enclosures being in need of repairs, no record of veterinary care (elephants had cracks into the toe. This could cause an elephant to become crippled), and insufficient space for animals. According to the USDA inspection, the big cats were kept in transport cages while at the circus's home base.

September 1, 1995: The USDA cited King Royal for insufficient travel trailer for animals. The trailer did not have the proper structural strength.

July 6, 1995: The USDA cited King royal for several items during an inspection: Failure to provide shade for animals. Failure to handle animals in a way that places minimum stress on the animal. King Royal had dry chemical fire extinguishers to use on tigers. The USDA stated "the chemicals emitted from this device can cause serious injury or death."

June 7, 1995: The USDA cited King Royal for insufficient veterinary care. A giraffe had lacerations on lower legs and chest and should be receiving treatment to keep the wounds from reopening and allow them to heal. King Royal was also cited for transport trailers being in need of repair. There were jagged edges and holes that could cause injuries to the animals.

November 11, 1994: A three year old girl was injured when a King Royal elephant wrapped its trunk around her neck and attempted to pull her into the arena.

For more information, contact:

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

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