Circus Ringmaster Refutes Claims of Animal Cruelty in Wyandotte

Ringmaster James Earhart said claims that his animals were treated inhumanely while his circus visited Wyandotte are false.

Earhart, 38, of Myakka City, FL, owns and operates Circus Pages. The circus performed at Yack Arena Saturday, which prompted protesting from local animal rights groups including the Southeastern Michigan Animal Rights Team (SMART).

"A lot of their claims are taken out of context," Earhart said.

Earhart admitted to receiving violations for a broken cage, improper paperwork and sun shining in a lion's eyes, but insisted his circus has never been cited for animal cruelty.

None of the violations were issued while Circus Pages visited Wyandotte, according to Earhart.

Circus Pages began about 23 years ago, and is regualted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Earhart, his wife and young sons work with the circus in one capacity or another.

Protesters claimed to see, "elephants in chains and camels stored away in hot trucks" during the circus at Yack Arena, according to a representative of SMART.

"That's hundreds of thousands, if not, millions of dollars worth of animals," Earhart said. "That's my livelihood. If camels is in a hot truck we are going to take them out."

Circus Pages plans to return to the Downriver area in July for a performance at the Southgate Civic Center. SMART protesters intend to protest the upcoming event.

Patch reader Sue Czarneki commented on a previous article regarding the circus:

"I was one of the protesters at both shows. I saw elephants in chains and camels stored in hot trailers/trucks until it was time for them to "perform." We braved the heat, some rain & disrespect from the circus people. Many cars passed by & honked their appreciation for our commitment to this cause. My above statement is so TRUE ... Wild animals belong in the wild, not in the circus. This is NOT entertainment - not by a long shot."

How do you feel about animals being used as circus performers and attractions? Tell us in the comments!