Ohio City Cancels Oklahoma-Based Circus Performances Over Gun Threats

An Oklahoma-based circus has had two shows in a Cleveland, Ohio suburb canceled after of threats of violence were made if the circus performed later this month.

The Cleveland Plain Dealer newspaper says South Russell, Ohio officials chose to err on the side of caution. 

The Kelly Miller Circus, which is headquartered in Hugo, Oklahoma was scheduled to be in South Russell on July 27. 

In a news release sent out Monday by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees, sponsor of the event, "multiple threats of gun violence towards this specific event were communicated to advanced ticket sales representatives" led to the cancellation.

The Kelly Miller Circus is currently touring the New York and Ohio area. 

Circus protestors in the South Russell area had collected signatures on petitions, shared videos of cruelty by circus handlers, and discussed the dangers of tuberculosis spread from elephants or their handlers to circus goers – all in an attempt to convince city officials to not allow the performances.

The newspaper said those activists were stunned to have the circus performances canceled by threats.

The circus talks about its animal care on its website, saying 11 workers are employed strictly for care, comfort and welfare of its animals.