8 Reasons To Boycott The Circus

Many of us grew up visiting traveling circuses and seeing exotic animals perform mesmerizing tricks. Unfortunately, many of us didn't know the cruelty that these beautiful creatures face. Here are 8 reasons why you should boycott the circus.

1. Tigers naturally fear fire.

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Tigers have an innate fear of fire, yet they are beaten into jumping through burning hoops. Trainers typically use whips or blunt objects to force the big cats to jump. In some cases, tigers get burned while performing these tricks and have even been known to attack their trainers as a form of revenge.

2. Baby elephants are taken from their mothers.

Via helpelephants.com

Many circuses have a cruel history of separating baby elephants from their mothers and putting them on the road. Ringling Bros. is known for pulling babies from their mothers and "breaking" them. This cruel training method involves tying up baby elephants, and beating them into submission. This often leads to psychological issues later in life, and is thought to be the reason why so many elephants become aggressive and attack.

3. Elephants are beaten with bullhooks.

The bullhook is a tool used almost universally by circuses to control elephants. They are repeatedly beat with bullhooks in order to perform tricks. As babies elephants are tied up and hit, this instills a sense of fear. As they grow up and eventually begin to perform they merely need to see a billhook in order to do what they're told. An elephants skin may seem tough, but in fact is extremely sensitive. They are also extremely intelligent, and are able to feel many emotions that humans can feel. California is currently in midst of passing a piece of legislation that would ban bullhooks, and essentially ban the use of elephants in circuses. New York state Senator Bill Hoylman proposed a similar bill.

4. Big cats are hit with whips.

peta.org

Tigers and lions are often hit with whips in order to perform tricks. As cubs, big cats are often starved and deprived as a means of training. When they don't react the way their trainer wants they are beaten with whips or electric prods. This cruel method of training often leads to dangerous consequences like revengeful behavior. Open wounds typically form during a period known as "breaking". This is when trainers breakdown the animal by beating repeatedly until she does the expected task. These wounds often become infected and can lead to illness and sometimes death.

5. Circus animals spend most of their days in hot boxcars, tiny cages, or tight metal chains.

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Performing exotic animals are often confined to travel trucks or trains about 300 days of each year. Many circus travel vehicles are small, dark, filthy, and often in a dangerous state of disrepair. Circuses are repeatedly cited by the USDA under the Animal Welfare Act for trailers that have splintering wood and sharp protruding metal pieces near animals' cages. Animals are born, injured, and die while on the road.

6. All too often exotic animals snap and are a danger to the public.

Via peta.org

Wild animals, loud chaotic crowds, the stress of training, and constant travel is a recipe for disaster. Some animals are driven mad by the experience and subsequently rebel in escapes and rampages that cause major property damage and seriously injure people. In the last 25 years, at least 126 big cats and 23 humans have died as a result of keeping wild cats in circuses. In more than 35 dangerous incidents since 2000, elephants have bolted from circuses, run amok through streets, crashed into buildings, attacked members of the public, and killed and injured handlers. Keeping wild animals hostage in circuses is not only inhumane, but dangerous for the animals themselves and the public.

7. Every major circus that uses animals has been cited for violating the AWA.

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Yes, that's right! Every major circus (Cole Bros., Carson & Barnes, Ringling Bros., etc.) that uses animals has been cited for violating the minimal standards of care set by the United States Animal Welfare (AWA). You can view the violations and citations on our website.

8. Circus animals often suffer from disease and illnesses.

onegreenplanet.org

Public records show that many of Ringling's elephants are carrying tuberculosis–a disease that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has warned is highly contagious and one that is rampant in elephants used by the circus.

Lack of exercise and long hours standing on hard surfaces are also major contributors to foot infections and arthritis, the leading causes of death among captive elephants. Similarly, big cats often suffer from life threatening illnesses and often neglect.

But there's good news!

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You can help by boycotting the circus. Tell your friends and family about circus abuse, because the best place a wild animal to be is in the wild. Visit StopCircusAbuse.org for more info and facts on circuses.