The Editor's Inbox: Concerned about circus animals - IA USA

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By Sabrina Villela Mason City
Posted: Sunday, May 9, 2010 12:00 am

The George Carden circus backed by the Shrine association is in town and I feel the need to inform the community of the animal abuse taking place in this family event.

Circus-goers rarely get a glimpse of the harsh treatment suffered by animals held captive in the circus.

"Trainers" routinely beat, shock and whip captive animals to make them perform ridiculous tricks that they can't understand. Violence and intimidation are part of everyday life for animals in the circus. In addition to the use of violence and intimidation, the circus also harms animals by depriving them of their basic needs to exercise, roam, socialize and play.

Stereotypical behaviors such as swaying back and forth, head bobbing, pacing, bar biting and self-mutilation are common signs of mental distress displayed by animals in the circus.

The Animal Welfare Act establishes only minimum guidelines, and even these small standards are often ignored. Furthermore, the use of dangerous animals in performances jeopardizes public safety and often puts children at great risk. Since 1990, 57 people have been killed and more than 120 seriously injured by captive elephants.

The abuse of animals in the circus is often backed by organizations seeking to raise funds, such as the Shrine Association. The USDA has cited Shrine Circus exhibitors for failure to provide veterinary care, adequate shelter from the elements, nutritious food and clean water. You may find animals to be entertaining, but think about how the animals feel when they are forced to jump through hoops of fire.

Posted in Letters_to_the_editor on Sunday, May 9, 2010 12:00 am

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LAST UPDATED: May 15, 2010
by myself and Caty.