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Circus settles federal complaint over elephant incidents

Springfield elephantKANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — A circus has agreed to pay a $16,000 fine to settle a federal complaint involving elephant incidents at shows in Missouri and Pennsylvania.

U.S. Department of Agriculture records show Oklahoma-based Carson & Barnes Circus last month resolved the department’s April 2015 complaint alleging animal welfare violations.

The complaint says three elephants briefly escaped during a March 2014 circus near St. Louis. One elephant sustained scrapes and cuts and another had superficial lacerations.

The complaint also details how elephants were watered too close to a circus’ public area in Altoona, Pennsylvania, enabling a child to pose for a photo behind one. Federal regulations mandate for sufficient distance or barriers between the animals and the public.

Carson & Barnes didn’t return messages Wednesday seeking comment.

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