Carson & Barnes

Published June 11, 2008 07:15 pm - Carson & Barnes Circus staunchly denied abusing its animals Wednesday, while preparing for performances here Monday.

Circus says it treats its elephants well


By ROBERT LEBZELTER bobleb@starbeacon.com
Star Beacon

GENEVA TOWNSHIP — Carson & Barnes Circus staunchly denied abusing its animals Wednesday, while preparing for performances here Monday.

The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) asked the Geneva Township trustees to enact legislation banning the use of a bullhook and electrical prods. The group says Carson is a chronic violator of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Trustees said they could not enact such a measure.

But Harry Dubsky, marketing director for the circus, said, “PETA has its own agenda.”

“The Carson & Barnes Circus has been in business 73 years. Our animals are our family,” said Dubsky, a fifth-generation employee.

PETA says it has obtained a video showing elephant abuse.

Dubsky said, “That video is 10 years old and was taken by an undercover employee and includes PETA’s own narration.”

He said circus employees love their animals. “When one gets ill, we all live with them.”

Dubsky said the circus doesn’t use electric prods, which he termed “so barbaric.” He says the circus does use bullhooks, although not to beat the elephants, as PETA alleges. He said bullhooks are used to handle the animals, much as a collar is used on a dog. He said the bullhook is necessary while cleaning the animals’ nails or performing other functions.

Dubsky noted Dorey Miller, who founded the circus, also established the Endangered Ark Foundation in 1993, a refuge for elephants in Hugo, Okla. Some of the proceeds from circus ticket sales go to help fund the foundation.

“This is a state-of-the-art facility,” Dubsky said. “The animals can run free. They get the best care imaginable.”

The circus will appear for shows at Route 534 and New London Road at 4:30 and 7:30 p.m.