THE BALLOON MAN

Cole Bros. circus responds to NJSPAC allegation
from:  mycentraljersey.com
Written by Staff Report
May 16, 2013
The state Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals did not charge a Cole Bros. elephant trainer with animal cruelty 10 years ago, as reported on Thursday in the Home News Tribune, Courier News and MyCentralJersey.com, said Renee Storey, the circus’ vice president of administration, in a prepared statement.

The NJSPCA filed charges against Franklyn V. Murray in 1996. But according to the agency’s own Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/njspca/posts/406624592705196), Murray, his family and their elephants appeared with Vidbel Circus in New Jersey, not Cole Bros., Storey said.

On May 10, 2012, Murray was arrested by the NJSPCA at the New Egypt Speedway, while traveling with the Piccadilly Circus, Storey said. NJSPCA was assisted by the Plumsted Police Department, she said.

Murray was wanted on a warrant for the 1996 animal cruelty charge and for contempt of court for failing to appear, she said.

“According to Mr. Murray, NJSCPA failed to properly notify him of a warrant for 16 years, during which time, Murray was duly licensed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the state Department of Environmental Protection to possess and exhibit his elephants,” Storey said. “NJSPCA could produce no evidence to support charges of animal cruelty. After Mr. Murray was arrested, placed in handcuffs, booked and posted bond, charges against him were dropped. But not until after Mr. Murray suffered humiliation, damage to his reputation, and financial loss from having to pay an attorney to defend him against specious charges.”

Representatives of the NJSPCA did not respond to phone calls and emails.