June 20, 2007

Chester A. Gipson, D.V.M., Deputy Administrator

Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

United States Department of Agriculture

4700 River Road

Riverdale, MD  20737

Re:  Status of Ringling investigations

Dear Dr. Gipson:

I'm writing to enquire as to the status of four investigations into alleged Animal Welfare violations by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.  Investigations are as follows:

Case #AZ 04 156, regarding the death of the lion "Clyde," presumably by heatstroke and dehydration, as he was being transported by boxcar across the Mojave Desert in July, 2004.  As of June, 2006, this investigation was listed as being "currently undergoing Department review."

Case #FL 04 287, regarding the 8-month-old elephant "Riccardo," destroyed after falling off a circus pedestal and suffering severe and irreparable fractures to both hind legs in August, 2004.  As of June, 2006, this investigation was listed as being "currently undergoing Department review."

Case #VA 05 008, regarding the elephant "Angelica," alleged to have been beaten by her handler in August, 2004.  As of June, 2006, this investigation was listed as being "currently undergoing Department review."

Case #FL 06 932, regarding the elephants "Angelica" and "Rudy," alleged to have sustained physical injury while performing in Puerto Rico in December, 2005.  As of June, 2006, this investigation was listed as being "currently under investigation in the field."

I am requesting to be informed of the current status of each of these investigations, or to be given information as to what determination was reached by USDA-APHIS should any of these investigations have been completed.  Thank you for your time and cooperation.

Yours sincerely & etc. . . .