If you love animals as much as we do, then you never want to see them abused and exploited for human greed. After all, these creatures are living, breathing beings who feel just as we do. This holds especially true for more clever animals such as cows, apes, pigs, and even exotic animals like big cats and elephants. With that said, it’s a mystery why circuses have been allowed to use them for so long in inhumane and sometimes dangerous performances.
When you think of a circus, you probably think of clowns (scary), a trapeze, and then, of course, the lion tamer. How about a bear riding a bicycle? Or maybe a tiger jumping through a ring of fire?
Animals have been exploited and used by circuses since they began performing. But, that doesn’t mean it’s okay or socially acceptable.
Often in the past, animals were mistreated as greedy circus owners cashed in on their pain, forcing them into grueling training and performances. For instance, the lion was conditioned to expect pain if it didn’t do what the tamer told it to do. Hence why we see a lion tamer always pictured with a big whip. The lion learned to associate the sound of the whip with pain.
This happens much less in modern circuses, due to sister laws. However, in some parts of the world, hoses are still used to terrify animals into submission. Also, the enclosures and cages they keep them in are far too small for animals to live happy and healthy lives. This holds especially true for traveling circuses, who tend to move animals almost every night.
But now the UK has banned the use of animals in traveling circuses due to the excessive cruelty they face. The environment secretary said:
“Traveling circuses are no place for wild animals in the 21st century and I am pleased that this legislation will put an end to this practice for good.”
PETA also weighed in stating:
“Forcing wild animals to perform confusing tricks is a barbaric practice that has no place in a compassionate society,” says animal rights charity PETA.
Last year New Jersey became the first and only state to pass a similar ban, but in 2016 there was a report which states that at least 65 elephants were used in 17 American circuses. The report also found that circus animals were being kept in chains about 96 percent of the time, and could easily spend 100 consecutive hours in tiny cages.
Even murderers on death row are treated more humanely.
Do you think this should be a nationwide law in the United States? Let us know in the comments, and please be sure to share this story to raise awareness.
