The USDA made history in November 2003 when it confiscated one circus elephant after it became clear that her life was in danger from abuse and neglect. As of March 5, 2004, the well known Hawthorn Corp., who rents circus elephant and big cat acts, surrendered its herd of 16 elephants to the USDA to settle charges of multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Captive elephant attacks since 1990, have resulted in 65 human deaths and more than 130 human injuries. In 1994 Hawthorn elephant Tyke rampaged in Honolulu after killing her trainer. As a result, Tyke was gunned down by 80 some bullets. Such killings and premature deaths are common among circus elephants. In 1996, two Hawthorn circus elephants died of untreated Tuberculosis within only days of each other. Tuberculosis can spread from human to elephant and vice versa and is common among circus elephants, thus posing a public health threat to unknowing humans. In September 2003 a 241 page report was released bearing proof that the USDA routinely looks the other way when Ringling Bros. circus frequently violates the Animal Welfare Act in regards to its treatment of elephants.

Animal-free circuses are becoming quite popular as responsible citizens begin to recognize that enslaving these intelligent animals for entertainment is detrimental to the animal and the humans that come in contact with it. In March of 2004, Clyde Beatty Cole circus announced its plan to go elephant-free. The state of Tennessee is voting to prohibit the use of elephants in circuses in 2004 and the city of Denver is set to vote on prohibition of animal circuses in August 2004. It is time to see legislation enforced on the Federal Level.

Congressman Bob Barr (GA) continually criticized HR 2929 during the 2000 Congressional hearing with a crass attitude asking why such a thing should take up his time. With Barr no longer a member of Congress, we now stand a much better chance of passing legislation which dictates criminal penalties for the perilous exploitation of endangered elephants.

This petition is to kindly urge Congressman Sam Farr and the other congressional sponsors of HR 2929 - The Captive Elephant Accident Prevention Act of 1999, to reintroduce the legislation (or similar legislation), to prohibit the use of elephants in circuses, traveling shows and rides.

United States citizens are fundamental to this petition but please show our congress your worldwide support as well. US registered voters and tax payers are also urged to contact your state representatives and senators and urge them to sponsor the legislation.