If I ask you to think about the word “circus”, what comes to your mind? For most people, when they think about a circus they think about clowns, jugglers, daredevils and of course animals performing a variety of tricks: Monkeys riding bicycles, tigers hopping on rings of fire, elephants trying to balance while on top of a ball…etc.
What does not come to most people’s minds (because the audience never gets to see that side) is what really goes on inside circuses before, during and after their practice sessions. Very few people realise the hidden truth behind the “training” that takes place for these animals to perform these tricks and the abuse they are put through. Let me tell you, belly-rubbing and sweetness isn’t one of them.
BEHIND THE CIRCUS’ CURTAINS
Besides being abused and beaten daily, these animals are also forced to train with little food or water in order to keep them submissive and afraid. They are kept in very small and filthy cages where they can hardly move. And if they are lucky, they get to eat every day. They are sleep-deprived and forced to train for long hours.
They are treated as nothing more than worthless “objects” to be used in whatever way they see it fit so when you go and pay for a ticket to support a circus, you need to be fully aware that you are supporting animal cruelty. You don’t get to say that you are against animal abuse while holding one of these tickets in your hand. You can’t have it both ways.
CIRCUS COMING TO TRINIDAD
In a couple of days, one of these circuses is going to be in Trinidad for a few weeks. A few people have questioned the fact that they have animals. The circus has responded by stating that they only have one animal performance, a few dogs (like if somehow that makes it acceptable). They said that just like an “owner” teaches his/her dogs new tricks at home, the circus is doing the exact same thing.
Of course, the big elephant in the room is the fact that they are PROFITING from it. Full stop. It is called animal exploitation. I don’t know how hard it is to understand that animals are not “objects” or “puppets” so we have no rights whatsoever to exploit them for the sake of money or entertainment.
The circus that is coming to town has a past. I suppose due to the controversy surrounding their practices and their experience with the law, they have decided to get rid of all the animals except for the dogs.
ANIMAL NEGLECT AND ABUSE
Believe it or not, this circus had 7 POLAR bears as part of their attractions back in 2002. No, I am serious. Seven POLAR bears for a Caribbean circus. While in Puerto Rico, the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service took the bears into custody, charged the circus with five violations of the Animal Welfare Act, and initiated seizure proceedings.
For 13 years, these bears were forced to walk upright while climbing stairs, dancing, and playing with balls. They endured mental and physical pain; trainers whipped the bears on the face and head, and hindquarters. They were forced to travel in extreme heat without air conditioning or water.
They had other animals in the exact same conditions.
This is real footage of how these bears were treated while in cages and during performances.
Many people might justify this and say: “Well, they no longer have these animals so I don’t see the issue”.
SUPPORTING MEANS ACCEPTING
Then let me ask you: Would you take your son/daughter to a child care centre that has been charged with child abuse in the past? What about if the centre tells you “You know what? That’s part of our past. We no longer do that. We only have a few children now. You’re invited to come”. Would you seriously take your son or daughter to such centre regardless? I dare to say that you wouldn’t.
Past or no past, my money as an ethical Vegan will not support a circus that exploits animals for profit and certainly will not support one that has a long history of animal cruelty and abuse.
Please stop supporting circuses. It is the least we can do for our animal friends; they need us because they don’t have a voice. And whether we want to hear it or not, buying a ticket condones their exploitation.
I will never ever support a place where animals are prisoners! Thank you for the article.
They say they have dogs and treat them well but how can anyone believe that after what they did with those bears? #stopthecruelty
Any reasonable parent will not take their children to this circus or any other! So glad you wrote this Maria thank you!