Making impressive exotic animals perform demeaning tricks is a form of trashy entertainment that belongs in the 19th century, and it should stay there.
Some countries have finally realized this. For example, the UK recently outlawed the use of wild animals in circuses starting from 2015. India has just banned dolphinariums.
Other countries, and not just developing ones, are lagging far behind. Elephants, lions, tigers and others are still paraded around the United States in circuses.
Circus animals live in appallingly cramped conditions, cannot exhibit natural behavior and are often subject to brutal treatment. According to Born Free, every major circus in the United States has been cited for animal welfare violations.
No entertainment is worth such cruelty. Tell the US government to keep animals out of the circus.
We the undersigned ask that you take steps to introduce a ban on the use of wild animals in circuses and place much firmer restrictions on the use of domestic animals for such purposes.
Even under the best possible circumstances, the stress and confinement that circus animals experience is unacceptable, especially for entertainment purposes. Non-domestic animals such as tigers, lions and elephants suffer enormously under these conditions. On top of that, it seems abuse is par for the course when it comes to making these animals perform.
The practice is also dangerous, with trainers being badly injured and even killed by circus animals on a regular basis. The animal welfare and safety issues make the use of wild animals in circuses unacceptable today.
19th century styles of entertainment belong in the 19th century. While it may be possible for certain domestic animals, primarily dogs, to take part in circus acts under certain circumstances and given suitable regulation, the use of exotic animals in circuses is outdated, cruel and not something that belongs in modern-day America.
We ask that you take definitive action to see that the practice is banned.
Thank you for your attention.
