UPDATE: Circus: PETA Playing Politics With Animal Abuse Allegations

The animal performers in the Kelly Miller Circus were treated properly and inspected by state officials without incident during shows in New Jersey, the circus’s general manager said in response to accusations of abuse filed by PETA.

The animal rights organization alleges the circus mistreated its animal performers during several stops throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania, including on June 17 in Lakehurst as a fundraiser for the borough's volunteer fire department. But Kelly Miller General Manager Jim Royal said that their animals were inspected and cleared by New Jersey authorities and PETA is playing politics.

“The people at PETA have followed the technique of modern politics. Throw mud, make accusations. It doesn’t matter if there is no truth,” Royal said in an email.

A formal complaint—based on sworn affidavits from “numerous people” who claim to have witnessed abuse—has been sent to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, alleging violations of the Animal Welfare Act, according to PETA.

The accusations in Lakehurst include the excessive whipping and keeping animals shackled too tightly, according to PETA.

But Royal said that the USDA, which regulates the circus and makes surprise inspections, has not made any inquiries regarding the PETA accusations.

“If the USDA felt this was legitimate, they would have investigated,” Royal said.

“It is interesting to note that during the time period mentioned by PETA, literally thousands of people attended our performances, came early to watch the circus arrive and see the animals unloaded, fed and watered, and wandered around the circus grounds throughout the day,” Royal said. “Did they report anything? No, because nothing happened.”

Circus animals are examined every 30 days by veterinarians, according to Royal. They were last checked on June 25, and Kelly Miller makes those records available to the public.

Royal also pointed to a New Jersey SPCA Facebook post, where the animal protection group said it is making surprise visits to circus performances during the summer. One of which was on June 22 in Mine Hill.

“All enclosures were clean and all animals appeared to be in very good condition. All animals had shaded rest areas and plenty of fresh water. Elephants, horses, Zebra, Llama and tigers were all checked,” the post reads.