Saturday, April 6, 2013

MORENO VALLEY: Circus told not to perform exotic animals


BRIAN ROKOS/STAFF PHOTO
Zebras are displayed in a pen outside the Ramos Bros. Circus on Perris Boulevard in Moreno Valley on April 5, 2013. The operator's permit for exotic animals such as zebras and camels expired, so they will not be part of this weekend's performances, which will go on as scheduled.

from:  pe.com
BY BRIAN ROKOS | STAFF WRITER 
April 05, 2013
MORENO VALLEY, CA--The show will go on in Moreno Valley, minus a few zebras and camels.
The Ramos Bros. Circus’ federal license for exotic animals is no longer valid, so the shows Saturday, April 6, and Sunday at 13250 Perris Blvd. will not include those animals.
It’s not clear why the license is not valid.
David Perle, a spokesman for the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, wrote in an email that the U.S. Department of Agriculture canceled the circus’ license on April 2.
 

Alex Ramos, one of the brothers who operate the circus, said outside the red and white big top Friday that the license expired after the renewal paperwork he sent was lost in the mail. He said he spoke with the USDA on Friday about resubmitting the paperwork.
PETA had complained to Moreno Valley officials that the circus was illegally exhibiting the exotic animals because the license had lapsed, and Ramos said a city official told him Thursday not to perform them. The animals were still being displayed in a pen Friday.
Moreno Valley city offices were closed Friday and no one could be reached for comment. A USDA spokesman could not be reached after hours.
Ramos acknowledged that when he set up in Corona last year, he was forced to move his exotic animals out of the city because the municipal code there does not allow them to be exhibited.
Ramos denied Perle’s assertion that his circus “regularly abuses animals.” The circus also features llamas, horses and ponies.
“They are in good health. We treat them the best we can – better than my wife,” Ramos said.
The Ramos Bros. Circus is on the road 10 months a year in California, Arizona and Nevada, Ramos said. Performances this weekend are at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 , 5 and 7:30 p.m. Sunday.
READ MORE:
http://www.pe.com/local-news/riverside-county/moreno-valley/moreno-valley-headlines-index/20130405-moreno-valley-circus-told-not-to-perform-exotic-animals.ece
 

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