Circuses cruel, inhumane
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Editor,
It is spring in Montana and that means circuses will be coming to our areas. Though difficult I would like to reveal the dark and brutal reality behind this imprisonment and cruelty of wild and domestic animals. No animal chooses to be ripped away from its parents, its freedom to roam and live its life with its own family.
Culpepper & Merriweather Circus that is coming to our area has failed to meet minimum federal standards for care of animals used in exhibitions as established in the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). This circus has been cited dozens of times going back to 1991 for failure to provide animals with shelter from the elements, enough space to make normal postural adjustments (cramped in tiny cages and enclosures), and proper veterinary care, having animals die amongst other cruelties. They even had a tiger confiscated by the USDA (who never has enough inspections or carrying out of violations) and their license was suspended for 6 months by an administrative law judge.
The ugly and horrific truth is that imprisoned animals in circuses are routinely beaten, electrically shocked and brutally hooked to perform stupid human tricks which they only do out of sheer terror of the consequences if they don’t perform for you. They are imprisoned in far too small cages and sweltering semi’s with never an opportunity to run around or be free which leads to painful diseases and sores, not to mention the emotional damage it does to their psyches. They are often taken from their parents and tied down and beaten into submission to perform unnatural acts for people’s “enjoyment.” Is this barbarity “entertaining” to you? They are also denied food and water for hours and hours before shows so they don’t “soil” the tent. Our weather gets into the 90s sometimes. Even 70s is too hot to deny water.
If we go to the circus we are part of the problem and not the solution. The dark cruel truth behind circuses is too heart breaking and awful to support. How can anyone promote and attend these barbaric ugly events? Isn’t there enough cruelty in the world without paying to see more? Please be part of the solution and not the problem, do not go to the circus.
Patricia Bowers
Polson
