USDA looking into why camel bucked at circus, hurting 7

PITTSBURGH — A federal agency is looking into an accident involving a startled camel that began bucking while a woman and two small children were riding it at a circus in Pittsburgh.

U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesman R. Andre Bell tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the agency is reviewing Sunday’s ordeal. The USDA enforces the Animal Welfare Act.

Exactly what set off the camel is unclear, although one witness says she saw a child throw a shovel at its feet. Investigators are looking at cellphone video to help determine what happened.

Shrine Circus Chairman Paul Leavy says the animal is about 3 years old and healthy.