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Home My WebLink About04-14-26 Public Comment - K. Blair - Known and Preventable Risk – Elephant Use April 20–21 in BozemanFrom:Chris & KristiTo:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]Known and Preventable Risk – Elephant Use April 20–21 in Bozeman Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 11:54:49 PM Attachments:Bozeman - Ban Use of Elephants.pdf100 + Violations .PNG CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Dear Bozeman City Council, I am writing to express serious concern regarding the upcoming Jordan World Circus event scheduled for April 20–21st at theGallatin County Fairgrounds, specifically involving the use of elephants Viola and Isa. This is not only an animal welfare issue, but also one of public safety, liability, and accountability for the County and City. Viola and Isa have endured decades of confinement, transport, and control, and continue to be used for performances and rides incrowded, unpredictable environments. They are nearly 60 years old, highly stressed, swaying, aging, and ailing. These repetitiveswaying behaviors are widely recognized indicators of psychological distress. They are often confined for long periods with limitedaccess to food, water, and basic needs, while still being required to perform and give rides. This reflects an industry that relies onfear based methods to maintain control. There is a clear example of the risks involved. In April 2024, Viola escaped during a performance in Butte, Montana and entered apublic roadway, moving through active traffic. While no one was injured, the situation could easily have resulted in serious harm.This was not hypothetical. It happened here in Montana and establishes a known and foreseeable risk. This risk is compounded by a documented pattern of violations. Carson and Barnes Circus, which supplies these elephants, hasbeen cited more than 140 times by the USDA for violations of the Animal Welfare Act, including failures in adequate veterinarycare, improper handling, unsafe transport conditions, and inadequate shelter. There is also a pattern of noncompliance, includingthe use of elephants despite restrictions and misleading advertising regarding their presence. There have been instances where events were advertised as having no elephants, followed by their later inclusion after tickets hadbeen sold, raising concerns around transparency and consumer protection. From a liability standpoint, this creates real and preventable risk for your community, including the potential for public safetyincidents if an elephant becomes startled or escapes, injury to attendees during rides, and legal exposure if known risks are notaddressed. At the same time, this type of entertainment is no longer necessary. Many major circuses have already eliminated the use ofelephants while continuing to operate successfully. The industry has moved on. Communities across the country are taking action. Washington State has enacted a ban on the use of elephants in traveling shows,and numerous jurisdictions across Oregon have already stopped their use. Most recently, Butte has indicated a shift away from the use of exotic animals with Jordan World Circus, reflecting abroader movement in response to safety and welfare concerns. Allowing elephants at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds for the April 20–21 event places your community in the position ofaccepting a known and preventable risk that others are increasingly choosing to avoid. I respectfully urge you to take immediate and proactive action to prohibit the use of elephants at this event and to implement apolicy that prevents similar risks moving forward. Viola and Isa are aging animals being placed into unpredictable public environments despite a documented history of violations.That combination presents a level of risk that should not be accepted. This is not only an ethical concern. It is about preventing aforeseeable incident before it occurs. I respectfully request a response outlining your position and any steps being taken to address these concerns. Thank you for your time and consideration. Sincerely, Kristi Blair Sent from my iPhone Ban Traveling Circuses with Elephants in Gallatin County, Montana Overview Traveling circuses using elephants present clear risks to public safety, create legal liability for Gallatin County, and reflect outdated practices no longer aligned with community values. Elephants such as Viola and Isa continue to be used despite documented violations and a serious incident in Montana. Viola and Isa Taken young, they have spent decades confined and transported. They are highly stressed, swaying, aging, and ailing, showing clear psychological distress while still forced to perform and carry riders. Public Safety Risk In April 2024, Viola escaped during a circus performance in Butte, Montana and entered a public roadway. This was not hypothetical. Elephants are large, powerful, and unpredictable under stress, creating a foreseeable and preventable risk. Violations Carson & Barnes Circus, supplier of these elephants, has over 140 USDA Animal Welfare Act violations, including failure to provide adequate veterinary care, improper handling, unsafe transport conditions, and inadequate shelter and space. There is also a documented pattern of noncompliance, including use despite restrictions and misleading advertising regarding elephant presence. Outdated Practice Major circuses including Ringling Bros., Barnum & Bailey, UniverSoul Circus, Kelly Miller Circus, and Garden Bros Circus have already ended elephant use. The industry has moved on. Existing Bans Over 50 countries worldwide have banned wild animals in circuses. In the United States, states including Washington, California, Hawaii, New Jersey, and Illinois, along with numerous counties and cities across Oregon and other states, have enacted bans or strict restrictions. Liability • Public safety incidents • Injury risk • Legal and financial liability • Consumer protection concerns Conclusion Banning the use of elephants is a proactive step to protect public safety, reduce liability, and align with modern standards. The risk is established. The danger is real. The solution is clear. From:City of Bozeman, MT To:Bozeman Public Comment Subject:[EXTERNAL]*NEW SUBMISSION* Public Comment Form - City Clerk Date:Tuesday, April 14, 2026 11:51:04 PM CAUTION: This email originated from outside of the organization. Do not click links or open attachments unless you recognize the sender and know the content is safe. Public Comment Form - City Clerk Submission #:4763452 IP Address:2a02:26f7:cd4c:7402:0:c000:0:3 Submission Date:04/14/2026 11:50 Survey Time:1 minute, 4 seconds You have a new online form submission. Note: all answers displaying "*****" are marked as sensitive and must be viewed after your login. Read-Only Content Full Name Kristi Blair Email wingsofkaren@gmail.com Phone (206) 850-9771 Comments Good evening, Commissioners. I am here to express concern about the April 20–21 Jordan World Circus event at the Gallatin County Fairgrounds involving elephants Viola and Isa. This is not just an animal welfare issue. It is a public safety and liability concern. In April 2024, Viola escaped during a performance in Butte and entered an active roadway. That incident establishes a known and foreseeable risk. These elephants are nearly 60 years old. They are highly stressed, swaying, aging, and ailing, yet still used in crowded, unpredictable environments. Their supplier has over 140 USDA violations, including failures in care, handling, and transport, along with a pattern of noncompliance. Other communities are taking action. Washington State has banned elephant use, and jurisdictions across Oregon have stopped it. Butte has also shifted away from exotic animals. Allowing this places Bozeman in the position of accepting a known and preventable risk. I urge you to prohibit the use If you would like to submit additional documents (.pdf, .doc, .docx, .xls, .xlsx, .gif, .jpg, .png, .rtf, .txt) along with your comment, you may alternately address comments@bozeman.net directly to ensure receipt of all information. Thank you, City Of Bozeman This is an automated message generated by Granicus. Please do not reply directly to this email.