Evansville commission conditions Shriners circus permit after public complaints of animal whipping

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 department’s process: officers perform a pre‑show inspection the Wednesday before animals arrive, review USDA paperwork and document visible signs of mistreatment. Staff emphasized that animal control can issue citations but lacks the manpower to station officers at every performance, and that no citations were written after the 2022–2023 events despite videos being seen by staff.

Commissioners debated legal constraints and fairness. Corporation counsel Sarah Dower said the Shriners "should have an opportunity to be heard" and noted venue liability and contractual relationships with subcontracted animal acts. Legal counsel and staff repeatedly advised that if a permit meets technical requirements the commission must approve it, but the commission can impose conditions tied to inspections and cooperation with enforcement.

After an unexpected motion to deny the permit carried, commissioners discussed whether to rescind that denial to allow further process. The board ultimately voted to rescind the prior denial and then approved the permit on conditions: the Shriners must provide named observers to attend the animal control pre‑event inspection and receive training; those observers must conduct random spot checks during the event (commission discussion referenced "at least three times daily"); and they must promptly report any suspected cruelty to animal control and cooperate with subsequent investigations. The commission recorded at least one abstention and one recorded opposition during the votes.

Commissioners also flagged the nominal size of current fines — staff reported the penalty for performing without a permit is $40 per occurrence (up to $120 per show) — and said they will pursue ordinance changes to increase penalties and add clearer enforcement tools. The board asked staff and legal counsel to draft a written agreement memorializing the conditions and to identify designated Shriner representatives who will act as trained on‑site liaisons.

The commission urged the public to continue documenting suspected mistreatment and to report evidence to Evansville Animal Care and Control; staff said they will address prior complaints at the upcoming inspection and have up to two years to cite violations tied to past events. The commission also scheduled follow‑up work on broader ordinance updates and enforcement arrangements at a January meeting.

What’s next: the commission will require the written, signed agreement and the pre‑event inspection. If animal control officers find violations at the inspection or during the event, they said they will issue citations in accordance with the city code and pursue further action as allowed under law.