Arrested at the Circus! - Part One

I started demonstrating against circuses using animals in 2002, after I read about how Ringling Bros. ropes and drags still-nursing baby elephants from their mothers to train them to do unnatural tricks for circus performances.  In addition to Ringling Bros., I also regularly demonstrate at UniverSoul Circus, the African-American circus.  UniverSoul Circus does not have a license with the USDA, but instead leases its animal acts from third parties.  Some years they use the notorious Carson & Barnes elephants, which were featured in a horrific training video where an elephant named Becky was chased and beaten with bullhooks - view video here.

UniverSoul Circus used to come to Philadelphia in the spring, before Ringling Bros. arrived.  In 2005, UniverSoul shows were from March 23 to April 3.   That was the first year I organized demonstrations at UniverSoul for every evening and weekend show - a total of 19.  The opening night show was on a chilly and rainy Wednesday night, and just two other demonstrators showed up.

UniverSoul Circus is a "big-top" circus where a portable tent is erected and the shows are performed within that tent.  That year, UniverSoul set up in Fairmount Park - a public park within the Philadelphia city limits.  The ticket booth was located away from the street or the sidewalk.  Because it was located on park property, we had the right to stand anywhere the rest of the public was allowed.

The first night, we stood right in front of the ticket booth with our signs.  The evening passed without incident until about 15 minutes before we had planned to leave, when a uniformed police officer approached us and told us we had to stand 25 feet from the ticket entrance.  I explained that there was no such requirement, and the police officer left.

The following night was another cold and windy evening.  We set up again directly in front of the ticket booth.  There was a long line waiting to go into the circus and the patrons were cranky and unreceptive due to discomfort and impatience for the doors to open and let them into the heated tent.

I wore a body screen TV which played videotaped footage of elephants being beaten by Carson & Barnes, and I walked up and down the line of people while another activist offered leaflets.  At one point, an obviously drunk patron heckled us, and others joined in.  A plainclothes police officer approached and asked that we move away from the line.  Because the patrons in line were not receptive and actually somewhat threatening at that point, we agreed to move away from the ticket booth.  Later in the evening, Sgt. DeMalto from the Philadephia Civil Affairs Unit told us that we needed a permit, and we would need to stand across the street.  I explained that we did not need a permit*, and we would not stand across the street.  He left shortly thereafter. 

The next night, Friday, we set up on a sidewalk leading towards the ticket booth, but not directly in front of the booth.  Once again, Sgt. DeMalto told us we needed to stand across the street.  I explained that the park was public property, and we had the right to demonstrate anywhere the rest of the public was allowed if we were not obstructing the sidewalk or causing a disturbance.  Sgt. DeMalto disagreed, and insisted we move across the street.  I told him if I was doing something illegal, he could arrest me.  He said, "I'm not going to arrest you," and then he left.  The rest of the shows passed without further incident...until Friday night, April 1, 2005.

* In Philadelphia, including Fairmount Park, you do not need a permit to demonstrate unless your demonstration is 75 people or more, or you will be obstructing vehicular or pedestrian traffic in some way (e.g. a parade or a march).  For the ordinance, please click here.  

FOR PART TWO, please click here.  Thank you for reading!