Circus comes to Charlotte County. Some worry about animal mistreatment.

Reporter: Erika Jackson
Published: Updated:
Tiger performs an act. (Credit: Loomis Bros. Circus)
Tiger performs an act. (Credit: Loomis Bros. Circus)

The circus is coming to town, but not everybody is excited. Some people in Charlotte County want to stop it, afraid circus workers are mistreating animals.

Drivers traveling down El Jobean Rd. will see a sign outside of the Charlotte County Fair Grounds advertising shows, which is getting families like the Koel’s excited for the circus coming to town.

“With the children loving the animals and seeing them and how they act and how they do things and perform,” Sarah Koel said, “would probably make them happy.”

But some parents want to boycott the Loomis Bros. Circus because of its use of performing elephants and tigers in its shows. The owner, Justin Loomis, said the thought that animal performers are abused is a misconception.

“We’re with these animals 24/7,” Loomis said. “We are licensed by the U.S. government, were subject to inspections, we have a full-time veterinarian, our animals get unlimited food and water.”

Loomis told WINK News a bulk of circus profits go toward Animals’ Care. He adds the performance by these animals is what attracts most families.

“The biggest question we get at the box office when people go to buy their tickets,” Loomis said, “is ‘do you have animals?'”

The performances are from Thursday through Saturday at the Charlotte County Fairgrounds. Seeing the performances marks a milestone for many families while creating memories together under the big tent.

“Anything that makes them happy,” Koel said, “I would definitely make them go to it.”

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