If you haven't caught the Washington Post piece about the conflict parents face when deciding whether or not to bring their kids under the big top, it's required reading. And consciousness-raising, too: Is it appropriate to teach children to laugh at bike-riding bears and ball-tossing elephants, much less to condone the often brutal methods employed to teach them?
In late March, the ASPCA appealed to TNT (Turner Network Television) to cancel its upcoming “Greatest Show on Earth” series about -- natch -- the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. The animal-welfare group" reminded network executives of the real behind-the-scenes story—that Circus staff regularly abuse and torment performing elephants with bull hooks, chains and other devices."
Comments (4)
These poor animals should be in their natural habitat and undisturbed by humans as God intended. People should not patronize circuses because of their inhumane treatment of animals. May God forgive people who mistreat animals. I won't.
DPC - My feelings EXACTLY! I know God says vengence is His, but I would sure like to use bull hooks, chains and other devices on some of these trainers! I would give me GREAT satisfaction to inflict the same torture on them and see how they liked it. This makes me sick to my stomach to read and think about.
I agree, DPC and Kathleen. I stopped going to circuses years ago when at a small Bigtop that came to town, it was so apparent that the animals were mistreated. The town reported it and never had them again. My 13 year old daughter will never go to a circus and has researched various zoos. She has become quite the advocate for animals' rights. She volunteers with rescues and therapeutic riding so she has seen and heard some awful stories. We definitely are not a circus family unless it's Cirque de Soleil (excuse the spelling) Only human performers.
What's really sad is I took my son to the circus and Ringley Bros. promotes that they care for the elephants (and even show video). After reading the article, I sent them a nasy email on my disgust over this (of course, no response). I will now educate my son on why I ban circuses and Greyhound racing...
Thanks for the head's up.