Prevent Abuse: Boycott Culpepper-Merriweather Circus

  • by: Lynn Morgan
  • recipient: Hoopeston, IL Chamber of Commerce

Dear Citizens of Hoopeston and Vermilion County IL,



On June 14th, the Culpepper and Merriweather circus is coming to Hoopeston, IL.  This circus, like all others that feature animal acts, has had many USDA violations regarding the care and treatment of it's animals.  Two elephants, Barbara and Connie, died a month apart of viral EMC (Encephalomyocarditis).  This same circus allowed sibling tigers to mate and did not provide proper care for the pregnant tiger.  The pregnancy resulted in three cubs, two of which died, the other was seized for improper care.  This particular circus has also been cited numerous times for allowing elephants, big cats and other animals to escape, causing injury to those attending, and damage to the surrounding community.  Despite these many violations, this circus is allowed to continue to perform.  

The animals in these acts are forced to perform "amazing feats", behaviors that would not be displayed anyplace outside the circus.  The animals are "trained" using electric prods, whips, and forms of physical punishment.  Between their shows, the animals are transported in semi trailers, in small cages.  Most do not leave the cage until a few hours before the performance.  

   Many cities and large corporations have stopped supporting circuses because of this abuse and the safety hazards to unsuspecting families that visit.  As a member of the community and an advocate for animals everywhere, I urge you to boycott this event.  Please send a message to the Chamber of Commerce and other organizations that animal abuse will not be tolerated, nor is it welcome.  Please be a voice for those that cannot speak for themselves.   

Please feel free to contact the Chamber of Commerce with concerns.  http://www.hoopestonchamber.com/  hoopestonchambercommerce@gmail.com 

Phone:      217-283-7873

The question is not, "Can they reason?" nor, "Can they talk?" but rather, "Can they suffer?" ~Jeremy Bentham

Thank you.

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