Take Action: Animal Circuses
Animals that are used in circuses and other entertainment acts do not naturally perform the tricks that audiences go to see. In fact, these animals are often tortured with bullhooks, electric prods, torches, whips and more to train them into performing tricks. In addition, most of these animals are taken from their families and habitats and kept in tiny, dirty cages where they can't carry out their natural activities. Many cities have banned animal acts
Ideas for Action:
1. When the circus comes to your town, contact the sponsors of the event and the arena where it will take place and ask them to book an animal-free circus instead. (For a list of animal-free circuses, go to “http://circuses.com/pdfs/AnimalFreeCircuses.pdf”.)
2. When the circus comes to town, write a letter to your local newspapers explaining why animal circuses are cruel and why people should support non-animal circuses instead.
3. Many school districts promote animal circuses in exchange for free or discounted rates. If your school is promoting the circus by giving out free or discounted passes or taking the students on a field trip to the circus, contact your school board about making a presentation. (You can find tips on making presentations to your school board as well as a sample presentation at www.circuses.com/educationguide-steps.asp. Points in your talk should include the cruelty to the animals as well as the danger posed to audiences by captive exotic animals.
4. Tell your parents, friends, and classmates not to go to animal circuses. Ask them to go to non-animal circuses to see the amazing acts that people can perform without suffering.
To learn more information about animals in circuses, check out the following sites:
www.circuses.com
www.mercyforanimals.org/anti-circus.asp
www.hsus.org/wildlife/issues_facing_wildlife/circuses/
|
