July 12, 2006

Chester A. Gipson, Deputy Administrator

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Marketing & Regulatory Programs

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service

Unit No. 49

4700 River Road

Riverdale, MD  20737

Re:  Ringling Bros. Circus and the USDA

Dear Mr. Gipson:

In reply to my letter expressing concern with regard the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA's) investigations into alleged violations to the Animal Welfare Act (AWA) committed by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, you have sent me a letter (via Caffilene Allen) assuring me of USDA's concern for the welfare of all animals who come under its jurisdiction, and that the investigations into Ringling Bros. are moving forward "as expeditiously" as can be managed "under the circumstances."  Your letter does not state what circumstances there may be which impede USDA from the completion of its  task, but it does contain the following:  "[O]ur officials thoroughly examine and document all areas of care and treatment covered by the AWA by observing all regulated animals, inspecting the facilities, and reviewing all appropriate records.  If an inspection reveals noncompliance with AWA standards and regulations, we document the problems and take appropriate enforcement action."  To be told this in the face of USDA's Office of Inspector General 2005 audit, which specifically points to your Agency's failure to perform the above specified duties effectively, is irritating to say the least.  Of the four investigations against Ringling Bros. currently being conducted, three (case #AZ 04 156, involving the lion "Clyde"; case #FL 04 287, involving the elephant "Riccardo"; and case #VA 05 008, involving the elephant "Angelica") have been "ongoing" for no less than two years now.  Such lengthy investigations do not constitute an "expeditious" handling under any normal definition of the term.  The fourth investigation, case #FL 06 932, involving the elephants "Angelica" and "Rudy," is now only six months old; I say "only" because, judging by the leisurely pace set by your Agency, this presumably means that the investigation is still in its preliminary stages.  Rather than send out form letters filled with blithe reassurances to citizens concerned about the treatment given animals owned and exploited by Ringling Bros. Circus, I would request that USDA address those concerns itemized in the OIG audit with regard inefficiencies found in its Animal Care Program, and that it make the reality of animal suffering a subject of genuine interest.  To do so would provide those who have written to you about this matter with all the reassurance we need, and the only reassurance we desire.

Yours sincerely & etc. . . .