U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesman R. Andre Bell said in a statement that Carson & Barnes Circus followed procedure. The Animal Welfare Act protects against inhumane treatment and applies to commercially transported and exhibited animals. Carson & Barnes spokeswoman reiterated the company’s previous statement Friday, saying the pachyderms were checked by a veterinarian and appeared to be healthy. It’s not the first time Carson & Barnes has been investigated for animal welfare violations. A female Carson & Barnes Circus elephant named Kelly got loose in June from Circus World Museum in Baraboo, Wisconsin, according to a Department of Agriculture inspection report.

Source: National Post January 26, 2018 22:24 UTC