A Minneapolis musician is organizing a “peaceful protest” against alleged animal cruelty, taking aim at a circus group set to visit St. Michael next week.
Eddie Moons, a freelance musician, is organizing the protest for 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 21, in between the two circus performances by Carson and Barnes Circus shows, which are set for 4:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. under the big top near St. Michael City Hall.
The protest is featured on Facebook, and has been picked up by a Minneapolis animal cruelty group as well.
Carson and Barnes was, in the past, cited for several animal violations by independent groups, including People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Many of the accusations come from a YouTube video that was created several years ago.
However, according the FYCC chief Sandra Greninger and the circus itself, the traveling act made several reforms to the circus in recent years.
“Our animals are an integral part of our family. We have devoted our lives to living with, working with and caring for our animals. We feel blessed to be entrusted with such an honor to care for and love amazing creatures for all ages to enjoy,” stated Barbara Byrd, the Carson and Barnes Circus vice president.
Greninger, whose FYCC group selected the circus group to return to St. Michael after a successful visit back in 2012, said she asked many questions of the C&B Circus before inviting the big top back to St. Michael.
“It’s something everyone thinks about when an act with animals comes in. How are the animals treated?” she told NWCT.
Carson and Barnes posted this YouTube video in response to the 2007 PETA video, which went viral.