Thanks for The News article about the controversy surrounding the UniverSoul Circus and its treatment of animals (“Circus Abuse Alleged,” July 2). It may interest students to learn that Cal Dupree, co-founder and former ringmaster of UniverSoul, launched a new show last year, the Bumpin’ Big Top Circus, which combines a variety show with traditional circus acts–but no animals.

At a committee hearing in Illinois in February 2006, Dupree noted that using animals in traveling shows “teaches children to disrespect animals.” In essence, he went cruelty-free.

You don’t have to take the word of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) for the dismal histories of the exhibitors UniverSoul hires. United States Department of Agriculture inspection reports are available to anyone who requests them. The number of animal-free circuses during the last decade has skyrocketed. These fresh and innovative productions make it clear that animals don’t need to be caged and chained, beaten into submission and forced to perform demeaning tricks to entertain people. For a complete list of animal-free circuses, visit www.Circuses.com.

– RaeLeann Smith is a circus specialist and member of PETA.