One of the biggest concerns with this is that these animals are often inbred. Using animals in circuses is an unnecessary and inhumane practice that’s harmful to both the animals and the public. Animals spend 96 percent of their lives behind. Fortunately, the company announced that it would no longer force-breed orca whales in 2016. While some circuses have begun removing animals from their circuses – we still have a long way to go in educating and letting others know that these … Or, if you want to visit a circus, visit one that simply has no animals. That is why the circus management takes drastic measures to remove all-natural defenses, so these animals pose less threat. 3. Not only are these animals physically abused with beatings and other such torture. In 2017, the heartbreaking story of two former circus lions that had been set … When they are not performing, these naturally playful and curious animals are kept in cages. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. Most animals are allowed out of their cages only during the short periods when they must perform. They are involuntary actors in a degrading, unnatural spectacle. Tuberculosis is just one example, which elephants often carry and can potentially transmit to other animals and humans. A tiger trainer was videotaped beating tigers during dress rehearsals. Facts and reasons 1. Stay up to date on the latest vegan trends and get breaking animal rights news delivered straight to your inbox! With your support, we will make animal circus acts history. Archaeologists found evidence of lions that were kept in cages in Macedonia dating back to around 2000 BC. These wild animals have simply not adapted to perform these tricks. The only real way to “cure” animals of this behavioral syndrome is to release these animals into their proper habitat or to a sanctuary. Contact PETA for information on ways to get an animal-display ban passed in your area. One trainer was knocked over, then immediately killed by an elephant at Six Flags Marine World in San Francisco in 2004. For decades now, people have considered the treatment of animal performances in the circus cruel and unjust. These animals are used purely as tools to be exploited for money. So, if you’re planning a trip to the zoo any time soon – you may want to read this first: Are Zoos Cruel to Animals? Roadside Zoos and Other Captive-Animal Displays. The objective is to dominate the animals and force them into submission. They are chained to the same spot for days at a time. Another symptom of zoochosis, that has been often made into a joke, is playing with excrement. Audiences may not realize how cruel their entertainment is. From bears to elephants to lions – you get the chance to see these majestic creatures up close and personal at the circus. Tell Hollywild Animal Preserve That Bear Cubs Are Not Photo Props. Circuses easily get away with such routine cruelty … Circuses would quickly lose their appeal if more people knew about the cruel methods used to train the animals as well as the cramped confinement, unacceptable travel conditions, and poor treatment that they endure—not to mention what happens to them when they “retire.”. The lives of baboons, chimpanzees, and other primates used in circuses are a far cry from those of their wild relatives, who live in large, close-knit communities and travel together for miles each day across forests, savannahs, and hills. 9NBC 6 News Team, “Elephant Who Attacked Handler Was Circus Star,” NBC6.net, 17 Dec. 2002. The animals are there to be exploited, so why would they receive great care? For instance, Bolivia, Greece, Israel, Peru, and Sweden have banned the use of all animals in circuses, and Britain has prohibited the use of wild animals in traveling circuses.11,12. Primates are highly social, intelligent, and caring animals who suffer when deprived of companionship. UniverSoul Circus was also held accountable for its brutal treatment of its animals. Unlike the human performers who choose to work in circuses, exotic animals are forced to take part in the show. https://www.animallaw.info/article/animals-circuses-and-laws-governing-them Let’s stop using animals for our entertainment. The whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other tools used during circus acts are reminders that the animals are being forced to perform. Video footage showed animals being prodded and hit with all manner of weapons. Leading to open wounds that are more susceptible to infection and illness. The investigation culminated in convictions for cruelty at Mary Chipperfield Promotions of In addition, circus animals put human lives at risk and are abused on a daily basis. The minimum requirements of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) are routinely ignored. There are hundreds of documented incidents of circus animal abuse, both behind the scenes and, at times, in public. Including (but not limited to) whips, whips with razors, bull hooks, broom handles, and electric rods. 6Richard Perez-Pena, “Ringling Brothers Circus Dropping Elephants From Act,” The New York Times, 5 Mar. 2015. Circuses that only use human performers are still magnificent and dazzling, if not more so due to the lack of animal cruelty. Jose And Liso. An animal that lashes out cannot be blamed for their behavior when put under immense physical and emotional stress. Over 96% of their lives are spent either in chains or in cages. If the circus comes to your town, city, or general area, you can host a protest against it. A handler with Sterling and Reid circus faces animal cruelty charges after being accused of beating an elephant resulting in bloody lacerations on the animal. PETA had filed cases to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) against the circus on multiple animal cruelty claims. In one of the earliest incidents to be captured on video, a baby elephant named Mickey was beaten during a performance in Oregon in 1994. Current subscribers: You will continue to receive e-mail unless you explicitly opt out by clicking, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. Trainers beat these animals during training and also when they do not perform a trick or act correctly. One of PETA’s cases was for Kenny, a baby elephant who had died because he was forced to perform when he was extremely sick. Before arriving at SeaWorld, sea animals are forcefully removed from their natural habitats – and poachers need nothing to stand in their way. Although supporters of circuses argue that circus animals receive necessary veterinary care, many circus animals die due to neglect each and every year. From 1996 to 1998, the Animal Defenders undertook an extensive undercover study of UK animal circuses, with their Field Officers taking jobs with circuses. Frisco instructed other elephant trainers to beat the elephants with a bullhook as hard as they could and to sink the sharp metal bullhook into the animals’ flesh and twist it until they screamed in pain. Which can be up to 11 months in any given year. circuses subject their animals to severe cruelty. 2. They are constantly traveling and on the … Often, they are held in cages and chained in their off-time or when they are traveling. If an animal is more aggressive than normal for that particular species, this could be a sign of emotional abuse. Urge Myakka Elephant Ranch to Stop Exploiting Lou, Carol, and Patty. “Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. Although a few circuses have closed down due to the increased awareness around abuse, most of them still run and use animals in their acts. 5Leigh Remizowski, “USDA Fines Ringling Bros. The tricks only happen after months and years of continuous abuse. Here is a composite list of circuses from PETA’s website that tells you if they are open or closed currently, and what specific citations have been made against them. Circuses are cruel to animals. Ironically, the circus doesn’t care about its main attractions; the sooner people realize this, the better. These containment quarters are their equivalent to a bathtub. Circus Over Treatment of Animals,” CNN.com, 29 Nov. 2011. Animals are beaten, shocked, and whipped to make them perform—over and over again—tricks that make no sense to them. For these big cats to be contained safely, they would need almost eight square miles to run, hunt, play, and release energy. However, more work needs to be done to save the animals that remain at SeaWorld. These can also worsen if a vet does not treat them with proper medication and cleaning. They are not enriched whatsoever in their tiny homes. Animals that suffer from stress and anxiety are more prone to aggressive or violent outbursts – whether it’s upon themselves, other animals, or even people. Put up signs and posters to inform everyone of how badly circus animals are treated to deter them from attending and supporting upcoming events. There have been countless escapes and attacks from circus animals. A previous worker at UniverSoul Circus exposed the truth of the conditions for the elephants there. For more ideas on what you can do either before or during the circus’ arrival in your area, peruse PETA’s detailed list and find which options are best for you. When she was caught, the poachers harpooned and killed her mother in front of her to capture Shamu without much of a fight. Much like the name suggests, animals that live in zoos are also prone to developing this condition. After watching video footage of baboons in a traveling circus called “Baboon Lagoon,” Dr. Robert Sapolsky, a research associate with the Institute of Primate Research in Kenya, said, “[T]raining most baboons to do tricks of the sort displayed is not trivial … it is highly likely that it required considerable amounts of punishment and intimidation.”1, During the off-season, animals used in circuses may be housed in traveling crates or barn stalls— some are even kept in trucks. Elephants are kept in leg shackles that prevent them from taking more than one step in any direction. Circus animal abuse is a problem that people should be aware of because the animals are harmed, the animals are not taken care of, and they have a higher chance of developing health problems. Multiple abuse cases such as these have risen against the notorious circus group. There are many causes for this including loud sounds, bright lights, physical abuse, emotional abuse, traveling in small cages, being chained, forced to breed and much, much more. In one particular instance, they stood in 18 inches of filthy floodwater during a storm, which opened them up to possibly being electrocuted from falling power lines. The 15-month-old elephant collapsed, screaming and bleeding as his trainer repeatedly struck him with a bullhook for … Flora, an elephant who had been forced to perform in a circus and was later moved to the Miami Zoo, attacked and severely injured a zookeeper in front of visitors.9 As Florida police officer Blayne Doyle—who shot 47 rounds into Janet, an elephant who ran amok with three children on her back at the Great American Circus in Palm Bay—noted, “I think these elephants are trying to tell us that zoos and circuses are not what God created them for … but we have not been listening.”10, What You Can Do As more people become aware of the cruelty involved in forcing animals to perform, circuses that use animals are finding fewer places to set up their big tops. However, they aren’t the only ones who face the consequences of circuses’ brutal treatment. They are also force-fed drugs to ensure that they are submissive around people. The wild animals fare the worst, and elephants top the list in the inherent cruelty that circus animals experience, simply because their size makes transport and housing so confining and unnatural for them. Even having a difficult conversation with those who desperately want to attend the circus can make a significant impact. Return to the Table of Contents. Their training protocols are geared to ensure that the public will never see the underlying abuse, and therefore circus owners remain assured of their wide profit margin after … Rhinebeck, NY – CARSON AND BARNES CIRCUS … Animals were introduced into circuses in 1851 and have suffered at the hands of their owners ever since. But the physical abuse they endure leaves emotional scars too. These “performances” teach audiences nothing about how animals behave under normal circumstances. Babies are torn away from their mothers shortly after birth. Many animals develop behavioural and/or health problems as a direct result of … Circus, formerly known as “Clyde Beatty–Cole Bros. Circus,” has been cited repeatedly by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for animal welfare violations. Animals in circuses around the world are getting abused, bitten to death or dying from hunger and stress. In these cases, it’s much more common for their offspring to be born with multiple disorders. The Virginian-Pilot August 25, 2002 August 10, 2002. PETA filed an additional case for another baby elephant named Benjamin, who was tormented with a bullhook while swimming in a pond. In the next section of Circus Animal Cruelty we look at the suffering of Circus animals as they are travel around the world. The AWA allows the use of bullhooks, whips, electrical shock prods, or other devices by circus trainers. Animals have their claws surgically removed so they cannot scratch, Animals have their teeth surgically removed so they cannot bite, Not being provided with enough area to roam freely and exercise. Simply put, these cages are not suitable at all. Tigers, lions, and bears could indeed fight their captors if given a chance. There are circuses across the countries that incorporate wild animals into their acts and as a consequence these wild animals live out their entire lives deprived of freedom and instead forced to live in cages or chains only allowed to come out when they are called … Many of these practices have led to animals attacking people out of sheer terror and survival instinct. VUit Is Streaming the 2021 Iditarod Dog Death Race—Act Now! Benjamin tried to swim away out of fear, but the trainer continued to injure him. 11Sydney Azari, “Greece Bans Animal Circuses,” Bikya Masr 10 Feb. 2012. Luckily, there are things you can do to make a difference. Defenders of circuses claim that “Under federal regulations, sick elephants must get prompt medical care and a veterinarian 's okay before … Facts about circus animal abuse. The elephants cannot make even the most vital of movements, like lying down or turning around. … Below are some examples of how circuses are cruel and abusive to the animals they use in their shows. Each year, the US kills over 3 million mink for fur. So many, in fact, that the circus closed its doors for good on May 21, 2017 due to an unsustainable drop in ticket sales. Circus To Close after 146 Years,” Associated Press, 15 Jan. 2017. Many captive animals develop arthritis earlier than is expected for their species. In Quito, Ecuador, two lions escaped from a circus and attacked a child while wandering the neighboring town. Anyone in a circus audience has the rare opportunity to encounter animals they may never see in their lifetime. Circus animals have absolutely everything natural taken away from them. “No one has the right to check the work of traveling circuses,” reports Vesti.ru. But it comes at a cruel price that leaves most people in blinding shock. Circus Animal Cruelty. Video footage shot during a PETA undercover investigation of Carson & Barnes Circus showed Carson & Barnes’ animal-care director, Tim Frisco, as he viciously attacked, yelled and cursed at, and shocked endangered Asian elephants. 8Greg Toppo, “Curtain Falls On Final Ringling Bros. Humans have been fascinated with animalsfor most, if not all, of our history. Rulers in Egypt, China, and Rome would collect exotic Such interminable confinement has harmful physical and psychological effects on animals. 2012. Circus Performance,” USA Today, 22 May 2017. 10Louis Sahagun, “Elephants Pose Giant Dangers,” Los Angeles Times 11 Oct. 1994. The recordings, taken at five circuses over an 18 month period, reveal more than 400 hours of abuse against circus animals. Jun 6, 2018 - Explore Amy Carr's board "CIRCUS CRUELTY", followed by 121 people on Pinterest. Circuses and Animal Rights. Animals should have never been involved in circuses to begin with. As seen in the case with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, when enough light is shed on the atrocities committed against the innocent creatures, these circuses can get shut down entirely. The use of animals in entertainment has already been restricted or banned in cities across the U.S. and in countries worldwide. Let’s get to 5,000! However, it is important to do your research and visit, volunteer, or donate to true sanctuaries, not places that only claim to be sanctuaries. Partial starvation and dehydration is … Trainers drug some animals to make them “manageable” and surgically remove the teeth and claws of others. SeaWorld is one of the most infamous parks for abusing its sea animals. Animal Circuses - A Life of Suffering. Zoochosis can be so severe in some animals that they will even purposefully injure themselves or even attempt suicide. Inform your local news authorities about the atrocities this circus has committed against their animals. They’re denied everything that gives their lives meaning, such as the opportunity to run, play, … According to authorities the men were argumentative and unwilling to cooperate. Their employees have been caught beating their animals with various instruments only moments before they went on stage to perform. 0 have signed. References 1Robert Sapolsky, letter to PETA, June 2004. At SeaWorld, male dolphins and whales are masturbated to collect sperm to involuntarily impregnate the females. Unfortunately, circus animals are indeed still being abused. For instance, Bolivia, Greece, Israel, Peru, and Sweden have banned the use of all animals in circuses… Then, it is sold to other theme parks for entertainment. Not only do these animals suffer emotional distress as they are kept captive and out of their natural habitat. Cole Bros. More often than not animals end up standing and laying in their own excrement. Due to captivity, lack of exercise and free reign – circus animals are also prone to developing “zoochosis.”Zoochosis is a term used for captive animals who show common behavioral signs and symptoms. Beaten Into Submission Physical punishment has always been the standard training method for animals in circuses. Animals are also beaten into submission and their horrible living conditions lead to early deaths – often by illnesses not found in their natural habitats. Trainers use various instruments to get exotic animals to perform tricks. The physical and emotional effects SeaWorld bestowed upon their sea animals are undeniable and shouldn’t be condoned. However, the audience is blinded by shock and awe of the show from what really happens behind the curtain. The videotape also showed a handler who used a blowtorch to remove elephants’ hair as well as chained elephants and caged bears who exhibited stereotypic behaviors caused by mental distress. SeaWorld has also been found guilty of close containment of their animals. , an Asian elephant, fell critically ill, Ringling continued to force him to perform. When they are not training or performing, the circus animals are shackled and caged. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus was not the only well-known circus caught abusing its animals. Although some children dream of running away to join the circus, it is a safe bet that most animals forced to perform in circuses dream of running away from the circus. If they know the true atrocities, then they will hopefully be far less inclined to go then or ever. See more ideas about animal rights, circus, animal abuse. It was thanks to a combination of countless court cases and 36 years of protests from PETA. … The training often relies heavily on physical domination and fear, in an attempt to ensure the constant attention and compliance of the animal in front of an audience. While many people associate the circus … Final note. Elephants Forced Into Dangerous Encounters With Humans—Help Now! As more people become aware of the cruelty involved in forcing animals to perform, circuses that use animals are finding fewer places to set up their big tops. Animals are forced to perform unnatural tricks, transported around the country and kept in cramped, temporary … Tigers and lions, for example, are often kept in cages that are far too small, whether they are traveling or between acts. Suffer from various nutrition issues including dehydration, starvation and even obesity; Are beaten with iron bars, electroshock rods, and more; Encounter illnesses that they are not susceptible to in the wild; Face environmentally induced stress from bright lights and loud noises; Are force-fed or injected with drugs for submission. We can solve this problem by making people more aware of this abuse by signing petitions, creating signs, and educating young ones. It is nearly impossible to keep circus animals healthy because most circuses do not keep a professional on hand that specializes in animal welfare. We’re going to dive into that right here. With proper action and awareness, we all can help eventually put an end to it. (HSI) Stats on animal abuse show that one … Numerous injuries and deformities can result from attempting these tricks. Luis Cruz started this petition to Shrine Circus and 1 other. Video footage of animal training sessions shows that elephants are beaten with bullhooks and shocked with electric prods. 2929, 13 June 2000. https://www.dosomething.org/us/facts/11-facts-about-circus-animal-abuse The animal rights position is that animals have a right to be free … Eight employees, including the head elephant trainer and the animal superintendent, were videotaped backstage repeatedly hitting elephants in the head, trunk, ears, and other sensitive body parts with bullhooks and other cruel training devices just before the animals would enter the arena for performances. The Circus and The Animal Cruelty It Entails The circus can be dated back to as far as 1782 in Paris, France, where people came to enjoy family friendly entertainment. However, Ringling Bros. ignored the professional advice and forced him to perform to death. to experiment on, eat, wear, use for entertainment, or abuse in any other way. By submitting this form, you are agreeing to our collection, storage, use, and disclosure of your personal info in accordance with our privacy policy as well as to receiving e-mails from us. At private circuses in China, visitors can see monkeys stilt-walking, bears perching on balance bars, and lions, dogs, tigers, and other animals performing various unnatural tricks. One of the most world-famous circuses, The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, has been faulted with multiple accounts of animal cruelty. They will often overgroom or purposely injure themselves. Abuse of Animals in the Circus Since the beginning of the modern day circus in the early 20th century millions of Americans have enjoyed the performances by both the people and the animals that perform for our entertainment. In lieu of a USDA hearing, Feld Entertainment, Inc. (the parent company of Ringling Bros.), agreed to pay an unprecedented $270,000 fine for violations of the AWA that allegedly occurred between June 2007 and August 2011.5, In 2015, Ringling announced that it would phase out elephant acts and retire the animals, but in 2017, citing a “dramatic drop” in ticket sales, the owner announced that the circus would shut down for good.6,7 The final performance for Ringling was in 2017.8, Animals Rebel These intelligent captive animals sometimes snap under the pressure of constant abuse. The tricks that animals are forced to perform—such as when bears balance on balls, apes ride motorcycles, and elephants stand on two legs—are physically uncomfortable and behaviorally unnatural. 2Randi Hutter Epstein, “Circus Life Drives Animals Insane, Two British Rights Groups Contend,” The Associated Press, 24 Aug. 1993. Emotional and mental distress is a big indicator of abuse and should be taken seriously. It is worth noting that circuses are not the only entertainment groups and companies that abuse, torture, and even kill animals. Circus Animal Travel Torture. The circus has always included tricks and stunts by not only people, but also highly trained animals. Playing with even a log or some small toy is not allowed for fear that they will escape. “This is how they train their employees to handle these animals.”4, In 2009, PETA recorded Ringling Bros. employees for many months and in numerous U.S. states. Benjamin suffered from a heart attack and drowned. We have campaigned for decades to end animal circuses in the UK and Ireland. Animals in Circuses. However, numerous undercover investigations and reports from ex-trainers have revealed evidence of mistreatment or abuse of animals. On top of that, females are often drugged to make the entire process easier. They are taken away from their families and natural habitats. There are plenty of great acts that circuses can show and perform without using animal exploitation. Elephants are made to stand on one leg and spin in circles – often while standing on top of small stools. A number of Russian publications have reported on incidents of animal abuse in circuses over the past few years, but the law makes it difficult to help the animals. If you have a friend, family member, or even a child who requests to attend the circus, explain to them the truth of what goes on under the big top. Here is a composite list of circuses from PETA’s website that tells you if they are open or closed currently, and what specific citations have been made against them. When Benjamin refused to exit the pond on his trainer's command, he was followed and repeatedly stabbed with a bullhook. SHARE. Create a group on Facebook and invite whoever you can, to join you in the protest. A Life Far Removed From Home Because circuses are constantly traveling from city to city, animals’ access to basic necessities such as food, water, and veterinary care is often inadequate. Animals … These exotic animals also develop sores, as mentioned above, due to frequently being in their undersized cages. These effects are often indicated by unnatural forms of behavior such as repeated head-bobbing, swaying, and pacing.2. Colorful pageantry disguises the fact that animals used in circuses are captives who are forced—under threat of punishment—to perform confusing, uncomfortable, repetitious, and often painful acts. Physical punishment is the standard method of training. Circus employees use the most obvious and brutal form of training to subdue wild animals: physical abuse. {"email":"Email address invalid","url":"Website address invalid","required":"Required field missing"}. Bigger animals, like elephants, require acres upon acres of land – at least 100  – for roaming, playing, socializing, eating, and exploring. Big cats in circuses spend most of their time in cages so small, they can barely turn around. And, the fact that animals are still being used today is unacceptable. 4Ira Kantor, “Bill Would Outlaw Hooks Used on Elephants,” The Milford Daily News 17 Oct. 2007. These cruel surgeries do not only limit an animal’s natural defenses. … In circuses, animals stay in cramped cages, they are overworked and undernourished. If you notice this – don’t laugh. Their bodies do not allow them to do them easily. Circus animals are forced to perform several days a week. The use of animals in entertainment has already been restricted or banned in cities across the U.S. and in countries worldwide. Travelling circus life is likely to have a harmful effect on animal welfare as captive animals are unable to socialise, get enough exercise or exhibit natural behaviours. Kenny had received specific instructions from the vet to relax and not perform. Terms for automated texts/calls from PETA: 20 Horses Dead in Just Four Months—Take Action Now! Abused, broken and living in fear - life in the circus is a life of cruelty for animals. They are not provided with protection from the sun or any other weather conditions. Take your family to see only animal-free circuses, such as Cirque du Soleil. One gruesome example of this is what happened with the most well-known killer whale named, Shamu. They alter an animal’s ability to perform normal functions like eating and walking. Circus animals feel the most effects of their maltreatment in physical and emotional ways, as noted above. The way circus animals are trained cannot usually be easily observed. According to congressional testimony given by former Beatty-Cole elephant keeper Tom Rider, “[I]n White Plains, N.Y., when Pete did not perform her act properly, she was taken to the tent and laid down, and five trainers beat her with bullhooks.” Rider also told officials that “[a]fter my three years working with elephants in the circus, I can tell you that they live in confinement and they are beaten all the time when they don’t perform properly.”3, Former Ringling Bros. employees reported that elephants were routinely abused and violently beaten with bullhooks. Going to the circus only condones and monetarily supports the cruelty thrust upon animals. Animal Abuse The harsh treatment of animals in circuses has spawned protests by humane societies and animal rights groups, which have focused on abusive training and handling practices, the constant confinement endured by the animals, and the dangers that animal circuses pose to the public. Although a few circuses have closed down due to the increased awareness around abuse, most of them still run and use animals in their acts. First thing’s first: do not go to the circus.

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