From the Richmond Times-Dispatch:

http://www.timesdispatch.com/opinion/your-opinion/letters-to-the-editor/letters-to-the-editor-nov/article_f7e39573-6c8d-54d4-b013-b349707b8288.html

Nov. 1, 2014 - Richmond Times-Dispatch: Letters To The Editor

Posted: Friday, October 31, 2014 10:30 pm

Ringling Bros. responds to ‘unfounded claims’

Editor, Times-Dispatch:

Michael Paul Williams’ column “Banning the bullhook just a start for a more humane circus” made a number of unfounded claims about Ringling Bros.’ commitment to animal care. It’s time we set the record straight.

Ringling Bros. is very proud of its human and animal partnerships, and the physical and behavioral needs of all our animals are a top priority in every city we visit. All of our animals are trained using a system of repetition and reward, and the health and vitality of our animals is something we showcase at every performance. In addition, like all zoos and circuses, we are inspected by local, state and federal animal welfare officials in almost every city we visit, including Richmond, and we have never been found in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

The recently proposed ordinance to ban bullhooks, also called guides, has nothing to do with promoting animal welfare but is a veiled attempt by animal rights groups to ban the circus. Ringling Bros. has been coming to this city since 1919 and cannot do so without its elephants, which are consistently the No. 1 reason people say they come to see The Greatest Show On Earth.

Our elephant-care personnel are highly trained and experienced professionals who spend 24 hours a day committed to the care of our elephants. All of our elephants receive regular veterinary care, exercise, plenty of food and water and social interaction with their herd. All this proposed ordinance will do is deny the nearly 50,000 Richmond families who come to the circus a chance to see our elephants up close and learn more about what we do to preserve this endangered species.

To learn more about Ringling Bros. animal care and conservation programs through the Ringling Bros. Center for Elephant Conservation, please visit

www.elephantcenter.com.

Stephen Payne,

Feld Entertainment.

Vienna.