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Circus protesters speak out for animal rights
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The opening night of Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey circus brought out animal rights activists of all ages to speak out for the animals in the circus that are not able to. This passionate group of activists believe the circus should not use animals for the entertainment of others, especially in the conditions that these animals are in. The animals spend anywhere from, on average, 26 to 100 hours at a time in crowded boxcars to travel to each location. If the horrid traveling conditions aren't enough, the animals are forced to perform night after night. A 2009 PETA investigation of Ringling videotaped many circus employees abusing the animals with bull hooks, and other terrible instruments, until they screamed in pain. The video footage also shows Tonka, a circus elephant, who clearly suffers from extreme psychological distress, from the inhumane and cruel treatment from Ringling trainers. Ringling has also been cited numerous times by the USDA for not meeting the minimum standard of animal care of the Animal Welfare Act. The USDA currently has at least 6 investigations of Ringling for animal abuse.
The animal rights activists at the circus last night held signs, showed the mentioned video, and even brought along a dancing elephant of their own. Later on in the night, a woman with her body painted orange with stripes, portrayed a circus tiger chained and abused.
The protest remained peaceful and the activists successfully relayed their message to the arriving crowd. Demonstrations are planned for every performance until Ringling leaves.
For more information on Ringling cruelty and to see the video for yourself, visit circuses.com
All photos by Nicole Carpenter.
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