Grant County, IN – Early Saturday morning, a semi-truck hauling circus animals caught fire on I-69 near the 263 mile-marker. According to a news release from the Indiana State Police, the truck was carrying animals from the Shrine Circus.
The Grant County Sheriff’s Office assisted troopers in rescuing the animals from the burning trailer and shared images of them with Facebook followers.
All of the animals, including a miniature horse, five zebras, and four camels, were saved. The truck driver, Armando C. Alvarez, 57, also escaped the burning truck unharmed.
A trooper and a deputy were taken to an area hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation; both were released without further injury. The preliminary investigation indicates the crash was the result of equipment failure.
The sheriff’s department thanked the community for their assistance:
Grateful for our tight-knit community rallying together during challenging times. Let’s continue spreading the positivity!
The rescued animals were transported from the scene by other trucks with the Shrine Circus.
Help Put Animal Abusers Away! Sign A Petition To Fight For Animal Justice.
National Animal News Official Merchandise
SO GRATEFUL FOR THESE OFFICERS WHO SAVED THESE PRECIOUS ANIMALS, HOWEVER, THEY DO NOT BELONG TRAVELING IN VANS TO PERFORM IN CIRCUSES!!!! THEY BELONG IN THEIR NATURAL HABITAT!!!!!
Ringling Brothers got shut down (but they wouldn’t release the elephants to a sanctuary, who still Iive in cruel conditions, are utilized by the vivisection industry). Why are any circuses with animals still alllowed?
I don’t know why it has to be so hard to get people to stop exploiting and harming animals.
The Shriners need to find a new way to fund raise. Forcing these animals to live this unnatural life is animal abuse.If you love animals use your voice and refuse to support the exploitation of these animals.
Thank God ALL the Living Beings made it — in truth, the Animals do NOT belong on a truck – nor, do Animals belong in a Circus — Animals belong in places where they are most happy and comfy & free to be who they are.