The Ringling Bros. circus, home of the “Greatest Show on Earth”, has been hit with a $270,000 fine by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for its alleged animal rights violations. Its parent company, Feld Entertainment Inc., has agreed to pay the fee in lieu of a hearing, and stated it would implement new training protocols for circus employees who handle animals. The USDA can charge fines of up to $10,000 per violation.
Part of the settlement stipulates that the company can admit no wrongdoing or violation of USDA policy. Recently, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and the Animal Protection Institute filed a lawsuit against Feld Entertainment, for what they alleged was a violation of the Endangered Species Act, and the systematic abuse and exploitation of its animals.
