3/10/26 Carden Circus cited by the USDA

Yesterday, CWI filed a complaint with the USDA demanding that they confiscate the long-suffering elephant Betty.

We took this action after learning that the USDA finally cited Carden last September for failing to provide Betty with adequate medical care. In February, he received an official warning regarding that issue.

Long-time CWI followers know that we have been advocating for Betty for many years. Our original Betty petition, which is how many learned of her plight, has over 275,000 signatures. We have filed multiple USDA complaints on her behalf pointing out specific instances in which it was clear she was experiencing lameness along with other health issues. The USDA never took any action.

This has all changed. A recently uploaded USDA inspection report shows that Carden was cited for "not using the prescribed medication at a frequency and/or dosage that is effective at controlling and treating [Betty's lameness]." They also noted that "allowing members of the public to ride her is causing additional lameness resulting in trauma, physical harm, or unnecessary discomfort." In the report, the inspector states that evenCarden admits that Betty is lame! Finally, clear validation of what we have been stating for many years.

Yet, we are disturbed. If the USDA has noted how poorly Betty is and that Carden is not caring for her appropriately, why did they not confiscate her? Our latest USDA complaint asks that question and explains why this is an action that can and must happen NOW.

We need more voices than just ours to encourage the USDA to act. So today we are launching a new action that you can take from home to ask the USDA to intervene for Betty, confiscate her, and send her to an appropriate sanctuary where she can receive the care she deserves.

Please keep speaking out for Betty. We must keep up the pressure! Click this link or the button below to demand sanctuary for Betty now.