Circus Owner Arrested for Animal Cruelty in New Smyrna Beach

The owner of a local circus show was arrested in New Smyrna Beach on Tuesday for allegedly keeping several animals in inhumane conditions. 57-year-old Edgewater resident Raymond Welch, owner of Purple Pirate Circus Side Show, is currently in jail on over two dozen criminal charges. The animals were found inside a box truck found abandoned around 3463 SR-44, according to the New Smyrna Beach Police Department. When officers responded on Tuesday, they heard what sounded like yelling from inside the cargo area. When they opened up the rear door, they found not humans but animals. Inside the truck, the NSBPD says, was two chickens, three rats, two tortoises, and two boa constrictors. It was estimated they’d been left inside the truck for 10 to 12 hours. There was no ventilation, lighting, or climate control. The Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission also responded, as did New Smyrna Beach Animal Control. Unfortunately, one of the three rats had already passed away by the time the animals were found. Several of the other occupants did not have adequate food or water, police say, and the snakes didn’t have the heating or lighting needed for proper care. It was determined in the investigation that the truck belonged to Welch. According to police, the truck broke down the night before and Welch told his employees to leave it where it was with the animals inside. Welch was located nearby and interviewed about the incident. He reportedly admitted that the animals were his, and that he had them left in the truck overnight. Promotional images posted to social media by Purple Pirate Circus Side Show appear to show the usage of some of these animals in past performances. The animals were voluntarily turned over to law enforcement. The chickens and surviving rats were taken by the Edgewater Animal Shelter. The tortoises and snakes were taken by Florida Fish & Wildlife. Jail records show Welch has been charged with 19 counts of importing non-native wildlife and four counts of impounding animals without sufficient food or water plus one count each felony animal cruelty, possession of wild animals without authority, importing non-native species, and violation of captive wildlife rules. He was booked into the Volusia County Branch Jail on Tuesday and remains in custody as of Wednesday.