MONROE – A circus that has performed at the Evergreen State Fairgrounds for 25 years without incident drew protesters for the first time on Tuesday.
Four people held signs opposing the opening of Circus Gatti, which continues through Thursday and is expected to attract about 6,000 people, fairgrounds manager Mark Campbell said.
“I thought we should come out and let people know what’s going on and educate them about animal abuse,” said Cari McCole, 19, of Lake Stevens, one of the protesters.
The protest was organized in cooperation with People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, or PETA, an animal rights group based in Norfolk, Va., McCole said. They plan to continue the protest through Thursday, she added.
Lisa Wathne, a PETA specialist in captive exotic animals, said the group opposes circuses in general, but isn’t aware of any specific animal abuse history involving Circus Gatti at the Monroe fairgrounds.
McCole said circuses tend to abusively train animals, using intimidating commands and punishment.
PETA has sent a letter and video showing animal abuse, urging the fairgrounds to cancel the event, which generates about $6,000 each year for the facility, Campbell said.
Fair marketing director Elizabeth Grant said the fairgrounds won’t cancel the circus.
“I fully understand PETA’s stance, and they are very passionate about their cause,” Grant said. “We have no reason to turn (the circus) away.”
Reporter Yoshiaki Nohara: 425-339-3029 or ynohara@heraldnet.com.
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