Protesters appear at circus shows

Picketers stood outside the gates of the Jordan World Circus Tuesday at the Palouse Empire Fairground, protesting against what they view as cruel animal training methods.

“Circuses are very cruel to animals. They use inhumane training methods to get these animals to do what they want them to do,” said protester Cindy Wines of Moscow.

The Jordan Circus and its collection of exotic animals performed two shows Tuesday at the fairground.

The four protesters held signs made by the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, and distributed pamphlets and informational compact discs to attendees who came to see the circus.

Officials with the circus were performing and did not return an interview request from the Gazette.

“Most people have just smiled and walk by,” said protester Shelley Calissendorff of Pullman. “They wouldn’t be smiling if they understood the way these animals are treated.”

Inside the gate, Albert Windgate of Pullman took his two grandchildren to see the circus’ performing menagerie of elephants, bears, tigers and dogs. He said he sympathized with the protesters, but did not imagine the circus treated its animals too poorly.

“These kids love it,” he said. “And to tell you the truth, I think these animals have it better here than they would in the wild.”

Calissendorff said it was her understanding the Jordan Circus had been cited by the United States Department of Agriculture for the way it treats its animals.

“We’ve got to be a voice for the animals,” said Calissendorff. “It looks like they are having fun, but people don’t realize what happens to get them to perform.”

Bob Reynolds, fair manager, said the circus presented its license from the USDA and proof that the animals had been tested for infectious diseases to the county before setting up the show.

Inspectors from the county health department were on hand to ensure the circus’ health practices were up to snuff.

“As far as the treatment of the animals - that’s something that’s taken care of by federal law,” said Reynolds.

The woman taking tickets at the gate said protesters pop up at many of the shows the traveling troupe puts on across the country.