'Tyke' owner faces charges of violating Animal Welfare Act

Advertiser Staff and News Services

CHICAGO — An Illinois business that trains animals for circuses worldwide — and whose owner also owned Tyke, an elephant killed in 1994 after rampaging through the streets of Honolulu — has been charged with violating the Animal Welfare Act.

The 47 allegations made by the U.S. Department of Agriculture last month included failing to cut elephants' toenails to improperly treating a sick elephant at the McHenry County training facility.

John Cuneo denied that his animals were mistreated. His business provides performing elephants and tigers to circuses and other venues. By his count, he has 19 elephants, a lion and 84 tigers.

The USDA allegations cover some animals at the farm and others that were on the road performing. The agency said inspectors found problems with Cuneo's operations on at least 10 occasions in 2001 and 2002.

The case goes to a USDA administrative law judge.