KTRV Fox 12 Circus In Caldwell Accused of Abusing Animals
Caldwell, Idaho -- Beginning Friday night, the circus is in town, and an animal rights group is asking the city of Caldwell to shut it down.
In Defense of Animals, or IDA, claims Circus Vazquez has a history of animal violations. IDA says the circus is under investigation by at least two federal agencies for animal abuse.
One allegation stems from a tiger-on-tiger mauling that reportedly happened in southern California just days before Friday night's opening act in Caldwell.
"So they were cited for violating the animal welfare act for that incident and previous to that they had multiple citations for failing to provide these tigers adequate space," said IDA program director Suzanne Roy.
Circus Vasquez's general manager declined comment about the allegations.
We also tried to get a response from Caldwell Mayor Garret Nancolas, but were unsuccessful.
The county says the USDA inspected the animals Thursday and apparently found no violations.
