Circus Animal Abuse

     As an animal activist and pet lover I am inspired by the ever expanding popularity of animal-free circuses.  Our present intoxication with  computer generated images of animals performing incredible feats is  relatively innocuous compared to the subjugation of animals in performing acts that are unnatural to them solely for our pleasure.  a good example are tigers forced to jump through fir hoops even though tigers naturally fear fire. Is it not possible to dazzle human beings without exposing animals to a life of tortuous enslavement in the circus?
      It has been reported that more than 17 European countries, nine Central and South American countries, all of India, Singapore, Taiwan, and Israel, have banned the use of some/or all wild animals from performing in circuses.  In the United States, more than 50 local governments have imposed restrictions on the use of pain in animal training.  Hardly enough!
      America needs to  arrest such cruel practices like the use of  electrocution prods,  piercing implements, shackles, whips, bullhooks and/or employ the custom of imprisoning animals in darkened rooms endlessly,  as well as similar "techniques",  to break their will.  Do you know that less than 100 U.S. Department of Agriculture Inspectors are assigned to monitor the 12,000 circus-related facilities in America?  Sadly, much of a circus animals life is spent in a cage during transport.  It is unconscionable to permit individuals to earn a living  by abusing animals. They do have a voice. We should speak for them but we refrain.  They do cry but many of us choose to ignore the plight of the innocents.  An honorable citizenry can challenge the above mentioned  pernicious practices by refusing to patronize  circuses using animal performers. Our attendance condones innumerable heinous  behaviors and  creates a  demand for more of the same abuse.
     Although it may be argued that some trainers treat their animals better than some pet owners,  the animals themselves have not chosen the life of servitude to which  they may have become accustomed.   We need to mobilize our elected officials so they become aware of our desires.   Animal shelters have reported  the ill effects suffered by  animal residents  who were rescued after surviving lives "on the road'.     Apathy will enable this affliction to endure .  To do nothing is a choice.  It promotes status quo.   We  are  compelled  to do everything in our power to commit  to the end of animal injustice.  Too many innocent souls have  sacrificed their short lives for the sake of an  archaic form of amusement.    Certainly the success of all-human circuses like Cirque de Soleil proves that the use of animal performers is totally unnecessary.  I will leave you with something  to ponder.  Every major circus in some way has violated the Animal Welfare Act in the United States.  The abuses perpetrated are too numerous to be covered in this blog!
     Enjoy the circus?  The animals don't!

Bottom Line:  How can we be happy with ourselves  if we  tolerate the suffering of innocent animals  for the sake of our amusement?