Circuses and abuse

Animal Circuses

“When children see animals in a circus, they learn that animals exist for our amusement. Quite apart from the cruelty involved in training and confining these animals, the whole idea that we should enjoy the humiliating spectacle of an elephant or lion made to perform circus tricks shows a lack of respect for the animals as individuals”

— Peter Singer
Author/Philosopher, Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University

Animal Suffering

Exotic animals in circuses are routinely subjected to months on the road confined in small, barren cages. These animals are forced to live in enclosures denying them every opportunity to express their natural behaviour and their training is often based on fear and punishment as revealed by numerous undercover investigations. As circuses play no meaningful role in education or conservation, the lifelong suffering of these animals continues only for the sake of a few minutes of entertainment.

Legislation

Around the world, the plight of animals in circuses is increasingly heard. National, regional and local governments in at least 30 countries have already banned the use of exotic or all animals in circuses. But the Australian Federal and State Government policies are failing these animals. More »

The Future of Circus

As Cirque du Soleil, Circus Oz and many other popular circuses have shown, the success and economic viability of the circus does not require the use of any animal. In fact, exotic animals were not even part of the original circus concept — they were introduced in a much later stage. Eliminating animal exploitation in circuses simply means an increase in human performers, not an end to the tradition of circuses.

Animals Australia’s position

For Animals Australia entertainment stops where animal suffering begins. Circuses can not recreate a natural environment nor can animals in circuses perform much natural behaviour. A non-domesticated animal’s life is consequently impoverished and the keeping of exotic animals in circuses should therefore be banned. The animals currently being kept by circuses need to be re-homed in a quality sanctuary or zoo.

For further information see the Exotic Animals in Circuses Fact Sheet.

Alternatives

All of the most entertaining circus productions rely exclusively on the skills of their talented human performers, proving that you don’t need cruelty to make a circus. Look out for these and other great non-animal acts when they tour to a town near you!
•Cirque du Soleil
•Circus Oz
•Circus Sunrise
•Circa
•The Flying Fruit Fly Circus

What You Can Do:

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•Take the pledge not to support exotic animal circuses. Show your support for animal-free circuses instead!
•Please tell your family and friends about the cruelty behind the big top, and explain to your children why you won’t take them to a circus with exotic animals.
•Write to your council, state and federal government to demand a ban on exotic animals in circuses.
•If you want to get active and know of an animal circus coming to your town, download our circus campaign pack and/or write a letter to the editor of your local paper, or speak on talk-back radio about the cruelty involved in animal circuses and why they should be banned.
•If you become aware of a circus with exotic animals coming to your council district please give us a call.

— Peter Singer
Author/Philosopher, Professor of Bioethics at Princeton University

Animal Suffering

Circus Blowback

Posted on March 5, 2010 by David

David Cassuto

The good folks at Ringling Bros. (aka Feld Entertainment Inc.) have taken some time out from bullhooking elephants to file a RICO suit against HSUS and the other plaintiffs in the recent lawsuit about elephant mistreatment and the Endangered Species Act. The gravamen of the suit lies in the claim that the plaintiffs conspired to to pay Tom Rider, the chief complaining witness, to give false testimony. Feld alleges bribery, obstruction of justice, fraud and money laundering.