Circuses
are undeniably cruel and vicious towards wild animals.
After all, cruelty is
the only way to get lions, elephants, and other exotic
animals to perform unnatural
tricks.
Handlers use a
variety of torture techniques to force animals to
perform for humans. These include whips,
electric shocks through prods, and bullhooks to
dig into and under animals' skin.
The
goal is to crush animals' spirits enough that they won't
fight back or disobey — that they will become
pliant and obedient to avoid further pain. On
top of that, animals are shoved into tiny cages where
they are locked for hours as
the shows travel from location to
location.
This isn't just bad for the
animals. It's also bad for people. Over the
past 30 years, records show that approximately 160
dangerous incidents have occurred involving elephants,
bears, big cats, monkeys and other primates in traveling
shows throughout the U.S. These incidents have led
to the deaths of 10 adults, as well as injuries
to 136 adults and 73 children.
Luckily,
more and more U.S. states are passing laws to ban this
awful exploitation, with Massachusetts being the latest
to join the trend. Other New England
states, including Connecticut, Maine, and Vermont,
must do the same! Sign the
petition now!
