People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ? 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510 757-622-7382 ? PETA.org ? Circuses.com Circus Gatti Factsheet - Page 2 of 3 - Updated July 28, 2008 January 26, 1998: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for noncompliance with the AWA for problems with the structure of its elephant barn. The inspector noted, "This is a notice that you have had the same violation(s) documented on the last two inspections. You are being given the opportunity to correct these violations. If similar violations are documented on subsequent inspections, all past and future violations may be used as evidence for formal legal action against you." June 25, 1997: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for noncompliance with the AWA for problems with its primary enclosures for the animals. March 9, 1995: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the transport trailer. August 1994: A tiger was caught in a flaming hoop while "performing" in the circus. May 1994: According to a complaint filed with the USDA, Circus Gatti tied a pony up and then repeatedly beat the animal. The complaint stated, "The trainer was hitting this pony so violently with the whip that you could hear the cracking of the whip from the stands." Nothing was done by the USDA about this beating because horses have no protection under the AWA. December 21, 1993: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant barn and travel trailer, failure to provide a safely constructed exercise pen for the elephants, and failure to provide records of veterinary care. October 9, 1992: The USDA cited Circus Gatti for failure to maintain the elephant enclosure. March 1991: A letter from the city of Palm Springs, California, states, "We also did a little investigating on our own and what we learned opened our eyes concerning this matter. Due to the overwhelming concern expressed regarding the inhumane treatment of circus animals, the Palm Springs Police Officers Association is looking for other avenues of fundraising and will not renew a contract with Circus Gatti." July 7, 1990: While performing in Portland, Oregon, two chimps dragged the trainer into the audience and mauled a child. May 1990: A report was filed with the Palm Springs, California, police department for mistreatment of elephants with electricity. When the police questioned circus representatives, the circus stated it only uses electricity to "clean up" the difficult animals. The trainer demonstrated to the officer that the threat of using electricity on the elephants causes the elephant to scream "as if in pain." The trainer also stated that it was illegal to use electricity in California and he has to wait until he gets back to Arizona.