FRONT ROYAL, Va. -
A boxing kangaroo is attracting a lot of attention at a local county fair. It's all part of the entertainment, but some critics complain it isn't funny, it's cruel.
Jack, a red kangaroo, is the star of the show, entering the ring at the Warren County Fair to the theme song from the "Rocky" movies. He is wearing boxing gloves and boxer trunks like he's ready for a heavyweight bout.
"I don't have a problem with it. I thought it was awesome," laughed Jenny Ryder.
Laughs. That is what the Star Family Circus is out to get with its boxing kangaroo.
"The only thing different about what this kangaroo does with us and what a kangaroo does in wild is they don't wear shorts and boxing gloves," said Cathy English, Jack's owner.
It is the first year the circus and its kangaroo boxing act have appeared at the county fair in Front Royal. But the fun was lost on some, who felt the animal act was inhumane. Britni Fauver felt a bit uncomfortable watching.
"To me, any circus animal act, I don't quite think it's right," she said.
These aren't real punches in the five minute show. The kangaroo and clown are just clowning around. At one point in the show, Jack just sits on his tail as the clown pretends to pose for a picture.
"It's a Kodak moment," the announcer says in jest.
The nine-year-old kangaroo is an old pro. He's been with the circus seven years. The gloves and harness are for the clown's protection. The harness keeps the kangaroo from hurting him and the gloves shield the clown from the animal's thick nails.
Jack performs about seven months of the year. He travels in an air conditioned trailer. Any complaints about his care are checked out by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which enforces the Animal Welfare Act.
"They inspect him. We have health certificates. We have a health inspector that comes out to my house," English said.
She has the paperwork to prove it. The kangaroo's last inspection certificate was issued last month. But People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals said in a statement that boxing kangaroos are "harassed and bullied into defending themselves. They suffer immensely from the intense confinement, constant travel, cruel training and stress…"
The animal rights group claims at least two boxing kangaroos have died while touring and that the USDA often cites exhibitors, but then allows them to continue operating.
English dismisses those types of allegations. She says Jack is well fed and cared for. If not, the USDA would shut her down.
"We would never ever hurt the kangaroo for goodness sake," she said. "He's my baby, he's a star."
Even those in the crowd, who didn't necessarily like the kangaroo act, didn't see any signs of abuse.
"It doesn't look like they mistreat him or anything," said Brandy Newsome.
Fair organizers are sticking by the circus owner and see nothing wrong with the show. It's not meant to be a boxing routine. It's a comedy routine. So while not everyone is laughing, the boxing kangaroo still draws a crowd.
