A circus set to perform in Columbus Junction today is facing federal charges. Following multiple complaints made by In Defense of Animals, The USDA has filed numerous charges against the Liebling Brothers Circus for violating the Animal Welfare Act.

Some of the over 30 violations cited include the failure to provide veterinary attention for their elephant, keeping the elephant in filthy conditions, and keeping the elephant tied in a way that it wasn’t able to move or lay down.  These factors and the elephant’s history of violence could contribute to an unsafe environment.