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Evansville commission conditions Shriners circus permit after public complaints of animal whipping
Summary
After public testimony alleging camels and buffalos were whipped at last year’s Shriner circus, the Evansville Animal Control and Education Commission rescinded an initial denial and conditionally approved this year’s permit subject to a pre-event inspection and written commitments by the Shriners to train observers, conduct spot checks and report suspected cruelty.
The Evansville Animal Control and Education Commission voted to rescind an earlier denial and conditionally approve the Shriners circus exhibition permit after public testimony alleging animal mistreatment at prior performances.
During public comment Sandhya, who gave her Evansville address, said she submitted photos and video last year showing camels and buffalos being whipped and cited the city’s animal control ordinance ("animal control code 6.04 0.04 prohibited acts"). She asked the commission what action had been taken on her complaint and whether the same animals would be allowed this year. "There is no way that somebody who comes in with whips on hand is not going to whip the animals," she told the commission.
Animal control staff confirmed the circus plans to bring a mix of animals this year — including dogs, camels, ponies, zebras and horses — and described the…
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