As circus season is now upon us, this also means that many exotic animals are forced to work in unacceptable conditions and are being abused. Often times, animals are trained by methods of physical torture, intimidation, and the withholding of food and water in order to learn their routines. Currently, the ASPCA is involved in a lawsuit alongside former animal trainer Tom Rider against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus for shackling elephants in boxcars for an average of more than 26 hours at a time making it nearly impossible for the endangered Asian elephants to move or even turn around. This violates the Endangered Species Act. The suit also alleges that circus employees utilize torture when training and disciplining the elephants by using cruel bullhooks and by shackling.
Click here to read more facts of the lawsuit.
Click here for a list of animal free circuses. Cirque du Soleil is also a great option and travels all over the world.
Click here to contact Taconic Investment Partners about the alleged cruelty practices of Ringling Bros. Circus in Coney Island as they are providing a free lot to house the circus.
