Circus Animal Cruelty

Zoos, SeaWorld, and circuses are places for families to enjoy entertainment. However, most people do not realize how the animals in each of these establishments are handled. Yes, they all bring in revenue and present the tricks these animals can do, yet these places preform detrimental acts to the animals. For example, the killer whales at SeaWorld are sometimes starved if they do not perform the way the trainer wants them to. In comparison, circuses torture lions and tigers until they are submissive to how the show-people want them to act. Zoos do not necessarily torture their animals, but it is proven the animals live much shorter lives in captivity. “Lives of animals in the wild versus captivity are literally worlds apart, and even the best captive facilities can’t recreate the conditions of the wild — not exactly. Most don’t even try, leaving animals in tiny enclosures with no socialization, enrichment or joy. Captivity is unnatural and unhealthy” (Sentenac). People are starting to recognize the danger of continuing these practices, but there’s a long way to go.Furthermore, animals in all of these places have suffered many traumatizing and even deadly events. There was a recent report that two circus lions, whom had severe head injuries, were killed by poachers who snuck into the sanctuary. “Last year poachers bypassed an advanced security system at a lodge near the town of Tzaneen in the Limpopo province, killing two lions by feeding them poisoned meat” (Graham).

The amount of risk that the circus performers have to deal with on a daily basis is flat out remarkable. They look a death and danger and smile like its nothing to them. Only a special group of people to have enough courage, or as some might say “stupidity” to do this line of work and love it. But the greatest thing of all about them is that they don't care how dangerous something is, if they think they can do it, they will do what ever it takes to accomplish it. We can all learn from that kind of

Throughout the years, we have been made to believe that wildlife in the entertainment industry is captivating. Even though these animals may seem to be happy and healthy, the truth is the majority of these animals suffer a great amount of abuse. SeaWorld and the Circus have made a name for themselves, by claiming that he/she provides a safe a friendly environment. However, what is not shown during these performance acts is the abuse these animals suffer, or the amount of stress and anxiety the animals are under. Wildlife in captivity for exotic animals can cause a serious amount of stress along with abuse, anxiety which can lead to a fatal result for the animals and the people who take care of them.

The circus is a wonderful and breathtaking experience and most people dream about going to a circus. The circus is full of exciting, fun activities, bright lights and the smell of crackerjack. Although the circus may seem like a fantastic idea, the circus during the Great Depression behind the closed curtains are not. During the Great Depression there was not much regulation which led to the mistreatment of the circus workers and the animals in the menagerie. Since it is during this time period, food and money were incredibly scarce. Workers were often times left unpaid and hungry, and sometimes even red lighted, which is the act of throwing someone off of a moving train which was done in order to save money in the circus. This is seen in the novel, Water for Elephants, and Sara Gruen highlights the imperfections of the circus. There also was not enough caretakers for the exotic animals in the menagerie and the animals were often times mistreated. Because of the Great Depression nothing was regulated or enforced so the money hungry circus owner operated business as he so desired. In Water for Elephants highlights the theme throughout the entire novel how deceiving the really is, but how the audience continues to perceive

Fans have argued that rodeo is abuse the the animals and others have argued that it’s not abuse to them. There are a lot of people who absolutely love the rodeo and come to watch and support it. Then on the other hand, there are those people that hate it and are totally against it because they believe it is abusive to the animals. Without the animals, rodeos would not be possible; therefore, the care of the animals is of the utmost importance to all participants and staff. A writer for Beef Magazine.com says, “Rodeos put animal health and welfare in front of fans. How rodeo has used veterinary information to prepare for—and respond to—a range of questions can be an example for the beef industry.” (Ryan, 2013). This proves that during the rodeos

In the National Geographic article, “Why all of Americas circus animals could soon be free”, it talks about the stress animals endure from being on the road, being forced to perform, and traveling in confined spaces. The President and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States, Wayne Pacelle, says “Wild animals, even if they are born in captivity retain all their natural instincts, which are thwarted when they’re trapped in small cages”. Therefore, they are prevented from being able to use their natural instincts and are forced to perform natural physical acts like balancing on a tightrope and chairs. When the animals don’t cooperate, they may be hit or disciplined in some way, whipped, or deprived of food. Elephants are struck with sharp metal poles beginning at an early age until they learn to

The circus has been around for many years, but in recent years the circus has been getting a bad rap. The most famous circus in the United States, which started under the big top, will be closing after a amazing 146 year run. Barnum and Baily will be closing due to animal rights activists, which fought them in many expensive court battles that ending their world famous elephant acts. For a long time, the circus was a dream for kids to have fun and watch the impossible be done. The first cirus were in Europe, but Americans gave their spin on them which included collapsible tents, so they can move on the go.

People have looked to these shows for family tradition, entertainment, and the lively atmosphere. Circus supporters confide in the facade that the circuses present to them: “We are committed to ensuring our animal family receives the highest standards of care. [...] Our animals receive better medical care than we do” (Ringling Bros). It is easy to believe the claims that these renowned companies tell the public, but in this case, the stories and accusations from former employees, animal welfare associations, governmental organizations, and even regular members of society should not be overlooked. It is obvious that circus animals do not live in the conditions that circuses advertise.

Think about how we will look back on our cruel forms of entertainment in the future. Will we be proud of the way we treated these great animals, with abuse as neglect? Today we turn our heads away from reality and what happens behind the scenes of animal entertainment. However, we can’t turn our heads forever. Around the world, there is so much more to animal entertainment than what meets the eye. These animals have been torn away from their beautiful, natural homes and brought to a prison of concrete. In these prisons, they are beaten, starved and tortured all for our money and entertainment. These animals lives should not be taken from them for us. Our money and happiness should not be worth these animal’s lives. Circus, theme park and zoo animals all suffer from aggression towards trainers, mental disabilities and physical injuries. These animals should not have to suffer any longer.

There are many types of animals used for entertainment such as circuses, dog fighting, zoos, and rodeos. All of these types of entertainment are not natural for these animals which is a form of abuse. Often times they are wild animals that don’t belong in cages and are not able to do things that are in their instinct to do. This is especially true about zoos and circuses. Animals are not able to roam free and instead kept in small cages. Even in optimal settings experts say that it is difficult to provide for the needs of wild animals.(Lemonick) Children should learn to respect animals and not see them as entertainment. People should only support animal free circuses and raise awareness how animals are abused for entertainment.

Various forms of punishment are also used in training to show human dominance over the animal. To make the animal suitable for the act, whips and bull hooks are often employed (Coster 36). Sometimes animals are choked with collars, tormented with electric prods or removed of their claws and teeth (AAC 200). “Dancing Bears” are sometimes burned by their animal trainers, forcing them to stand vertically (Francione 23). Secondly, animals in the circus are confined in small spaces in comparison to their wild habitats. While they are not performing, they are chained or confined in beast wagons with only enough room to stand up and lie down (Francione 23). These small, barren cages are only 1.2-1.5 meters wide and 2.4-3.08 meters long and can easily be compared to a man living in his closet. Circus big cats spend 75-99% of their lives in such wagons (Laidlaw, On Parade 14). The animals are forced to drink, eat, sleep and excrete in these enclosures. An investigation by The British Animal Defenders found that circus elephants spend 98% of their day in chains and a 2009 scientific journal, Animal Welfare, reviewed that they were chained 12-13 hours a day (Laidlaw, On Parade 13). Hoofed animals usually spend their time in small stalls, tied by ropes. When animals are transported, they are confined in small areas for very long periods of time so they cannot shift in the vehicle. Some circuses say, “…elephants [are] chained in railcars for an average

Big Picture: Circuses have been around since the 1700’s and were called Circles, later becoming the ring, which is the center of the circle where the animals are performing against their will. In the beginning a circus was just a man and a horse performing in a ring. Over the years it has grown into a huge production and lasts several hours. Zoos have also been around for a long time. Animals held in fake wilderness while people watch them from behind metal bars. Elephants in my opinion are in the most serious trouble. These 6000 to 15,000 pound creatures who are forced to stand on their heads or stand in a little “sanctuary” only allowed to walk 1.5 to 2 miles a day. When in the wild they walk 40 miles plus in one day. Since they weigh so much they should not be standing on hard dry surfaces that prevents normal exercise and forces them to stand on hard, dry, compacted surfaces, causing arthritis and foot disease.

To begin with circuses are inhumane because circuses don’t have the right environment for animals. ”It is impossible for traveling road shows, designed exclusive for human entertainment, to meet environmental, social, behavioral, and physical needs

The life of a circus animal is hard and demanding. It is not an acceptable way of life for an animal. Circuses would quickly lose their appeal if the public were more aware of their mistreatments of these animals. Many circuses do not have much money and as a result the animals suffer from inadequate care. These animals spend most of their time in small cages used for transportation. The Animal Welfare Act provides cage requirements, but many circuses fail to follow this law. Even the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus was cited for 65 violations over a two-year period according to Florence Lambert. When traveling, animals spend hours, even days between sites in confinement..

Animals have been a main focus in circus performances around the world for many centuries; however, in recent history, there have been far more regulations put on the use of these creatures, stemming mainly from how they are treated by both their trainers and the circus as a whole. Whether it be on the federal or local and state-level, there has been a definite increase in the questionable legality of America’s circus industry due to the neglect and abuse of the participating animals, courts’ decisions highlighting the true importance of the issue. These rulings make one ask the question: What types of regulations could be put in place in all circuses to ensure that the animals involved are not abused in the process? In the end, many