Friday, November 7, 2008

Opening Day Protest Against Vazquez Circus

With very little fanfare or public promotion, the Vazquez Circus rolled into Queens and set up their large multicolored tents in Shea Stadium’s parking lot in Queens. Along with the Vazquez Circus, came notorious animal trainer Will Davenport and the rest of the despicable Davenport clan. Davenport has been cited numerous times for his cruel training techniques and he has actually been banned from some municipalities.

Two dozen activists representing Win Animal Rights and In Defense of Animals, traveled to Queens to let Circus Vazquez know that animal abusers are not welcome in New York City. Vazquez Circus has been under federal investigation for allegations of animal cruelty, neglect and abuse.

Parking lot attendants and circus employees were questioned about which animals would be performing and every answer seemed purposefully vague and misleading. One activist saw horses, a zebra and a camel. Other animals appeared to be hidden from sight. It is suspected that their animal entourage includes exotic animals like elephants and tigers.

A large colorful banner, provided by In Defense of Animals, was held for all to see. The banner said: “CIRCO VAZQUEZ HACE CRUELDADES A LOS ANIMALES” and the English translation: CIRCUS VAZQUEZ IS CRUEL TO ANIMALS”.

Protesters lined up at the entrance to the parking lot and offered circus goers bilingual literature about the cruelty of the circus and their multi-colored signs depicting circus abuse gave credence to the charges. Parents looked on as their children learned of the abuse that goes on behind the scenes of the circus. Signs were in both English and Spanish as many of the circus attendees are Spanish speaking. Many cars and pedestrians stopped to chat with protesters, who answered their questions, before either entering or leaving the lot.

Although protesters had to compete with the loud overhead roar of frequent #7 trains and the equally frequent jets flying in and out of nearby Laguardia Airport, still they made sure they were heard by anyone entering or leaving the circus grounds. This protest was timed to cover both the people exiting the 5:00 PM show and those entering the 8:00 PM show.

Before leaving activists vowed to return to this location to protest this circus for as long as they remain in New York City. "We'll be back....We'll be back".....protesters chanted as they packed up their signs and banner and departed from Shea.

W.A.R. (WIN ANIMAL RIGHTS) is an independent non-profit organization not affiliated or associated with SHAC, SHAC USA or any other group or organization and does not conduct or incite any illegal activity. The above information is not meant to incite or request any illegal actions or illegal activities of any kind. If you have any questions about the legality of any act, we encourage everyone receiving this (or the) action alert(s) to check your local laws and ordinances before proceeding to do anything.