There’s mounting evidence that public pressure is causing circuses and other entertainment venues to stop using wild-animal acts as part of their “entertainment,” and what a good outcome that is.
In the United States, more than 50 jurisdictions in 24 states have taken action to restrict the use of animals in circuses using trained animals. Let us hope that trend continues until there is a total ban coast to coast.
Most of us have been thrilled at one time or another by that elephant who can stand and “dance” on its hind legs or by the tiger who can leap through a burning hoop. However, we never see the constant cruelties of training that made those suffering creatures act so “delightfully.” There is nothing delightful whatsoever in the lives of animals in circuses.
It’s as cruel and needless as the big-game hunting of lions and other endangered species. Thirty-two nations have banned animals from traveling circus shows. It’s time for the United States to join that list.
And here is why:
The continued use of wild animals in circuses is opposed by animal-welfare experts, animal-protection groups, politicians and more than two-thirds of Americans, according to a report entitled “The Welfare of Wild Animals in Traveling Circuses,” a report based on research by a team of 658 experts and organizations that included animal trainers in circuses, veterinarians, lawyers, biologists, staff members of zoos, and animal sanctuaries and animal-behavior experts.
Not surprisingly, the animal trainers and circus owners in self-serving fashion thought there is nothing stressful about animals in circuses. The other experts strongly disagreed with them. The 178-page report came to the following conclusions, among many others:
- Life for wild animals in traveling circuses and mobile zoos does not appear to constitute either a “good life” or a “life worth living.”
- All of the requirements for an animal’s welfare and peace of mind are compromised by life in such environments.
- Frequent transport of animals from place to place is highly stressful.
- Traditional animal-training methods are coercive, and based on force and aggression techniques against the animals.
- The “tricks” the animals perform have nothing to do with their natural behaviors.
- Enclosures for animals in circuses and traveling zoos are about 25 percent less space than recommended in top-quality zoos.
- Some of the training methods include stun guns, electric prods, metal bars, whips, barbed hooks, intimidation, and deprivation of food and water. (Is it any wonder that sometimes these abused creatures attack, and kill their trainers or people gawking at their “cute” tricks in a circus act?)
Animal Defenders International has volunteered to relocate animals from circuses who agree not to use the animals anymore, or in cases where countries or other jurisdictions ban such “entertainment.” Recently, ADI rescued and relocated 100 circus animals from Peru, including 33 lions the organization placed in a sanctuary in South Africa. Now let’s just hope some rogue big-game hunter doesn’t shoot any of them.
Jan Creamer, president of ADI, had this to say: “This new report supports decades of reports and evidence the welfare of wild animals is seriously compromised in circuses. Having time and again exposed the suffering and brutality of animals in circuses, Animal Defenders International calls for federal legislation to end wild animal acts.”
To which we add, “Amen!”
Next time the circus comes to town, check to see if it features trained animals. If it does, take the kids to a good movie instead.
