Avon’s Saturday Circus Brings Objections from PETA

The annual presentation of the Kelly Miller Circus in Avon, sponsored by the Avon Knights of Columbus, has brought out the annual objection by PETA, the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The circus will be in town at Avon Village School for two shows Saturday, Aug. 3 and 2 p.m and 5:30 p.m. with part of the proceeds benefiting the Knights of Columbus. This is the third year the Avon Knights of Columbus have brought the show, which features tigers, elephants and performers.

 "The Kelly Miller and Carson & Barnes circuses have been abusing elephants and other animals for decades, but thanks to Ohio law, officials have the power to stop the use of cruel bullhooks, and we hope they use it," PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders said in an e-mail to Avon-Avon Lake Patch. "Avon-area officials have both the opportunity and an obligation to stop these circuses from abusing elephants with bullhooks and to make them pay the price if they don't."

The group has asked Mayor Jim Smith and Avon Police officials to specifically ensure the elephants are not mistreated. In letter to Smith and Police Chief Richard Bosley, the group said “Carson & Barnes' bullhook abuse of elephants is well documented.”

PETA said the elephant trainer has also been documented instructing his protégés to strike the elephants forcefully with bullhooks.

John Wesner of the Avon Knights of Columbus said PETA objects annually.

“We see no mistreatment of the animals,” Wesner said. “If we knew of any abuse, we wouldn’t have the circus here.”

Wesner said a local PETA leader has been offered a chance to see how the animals are treated in person and has declined to go.

Avon Police Capt. Larry Fischbach said his department has never had any problems with the circus. 

The public is welcome to view the raising of the tent tomorrow at 9 a.m. at the Village School.

Presale tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children. Cost at the gate is $15 for adults and $7 for children.

Tickets for the can be purchased at the following locations:

• (Saturday morning), 1783 Moore Road, Avon
• Ray’s Auto & Truck Service, 38219 Colorado Ave., Avon
• St. Joseph Parish Rectory, 32929 Lake Road, Avon Lake
• Cobos Insurance, 41436 Griswold Road, Elyria
• 36816 Detroit Road, Avon
• The Smoke Shop, 4028 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village