Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. The Animal Legal Defense Fund files high profile lawsuits and lobbies and advocates for stronger laws to protect animals used in entertainment. 4. It can be defined as neglect or the infliction of pain or suffering towards animals. They were often overworked, beaten into submission and left to less-than-average food supplies on an irregular schedule. I dont know who you are but certainly youre going to a famous blogger if you Tigers, camels, lions, and other animals must endure the issues of training, transportation, and performances on a regular basis while being fearful of the natural instincts that drive them. Retired animals must be placed in a zoo, sanctuary or with an individual trained to care for wild animals. The unique ability to observe and learn directly from live animals increases public . There were two other incidents that involved an elephant named Tyke that were attributed to her in 1993 as well. We can see many different animals. He instantly became the biggest star (both literally and figuratively) of the show. Analyzes the pros, cons, and my viewpoint on whether the use of animals for entertainment or gaming constitutes animal cruelty, or if it is justified for cultural and/or economic reasons. Animals Asia does not support the use of any animals including dogs in circuses due to widespread abusive training techniques and poor living conditions. Constant travel exposes the animals to heat exhaustion. there have been over 35 serious cases of elephants escaping. Circuses that operate in the United States must also report deaths to the Fish and Wildlife Service. As well as the measures targeting circuses, the new law will raise the maximum penalty for mistreating animals to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($85,000), and will tighten . , and encourage circuses featuring only human performers! Training techniques involve using whips and other devices to force animals to act. Of course, this fact applies only when animals (in captivity) receive proper treatment and care. Once upon a time, a circus was a place where the most astonishing events, animals and entertainers could be seen by people who spent most of their time working to survive. Animals Asias investigation into animal circuses in Vietnam found 100% of facilities failed to meet the animals basic needs. Circuses: Pros: -Entertainment/amusement -Education -Animals are kept safe/ healthy with regimented food and medication that they wouldn't get in the wild. There are several arguments and benefits in favor of animals in captivity, some of which include: There are several arguments against animals (drawbacks) in captivity, some of which include: Pros and Cons of Neutering an Australian Shepherd, Pros and Cons of Rhode Island Red Chickens, Pros and Cons of American Staffordshire Terrier. Although the UK's Government pledged to ban them in 2012, the individual Conservative MPs still repeatedly block the bills. It is transmitted through the air, placing anyone that comes in direct contact with the ill animal (whether it be another elephant or human) at serious risk. The diet of animals is extremely poor compared to the natural diet in the wild. Banning circus animals because of the case of Anne the elephant would be as ridiculous as banning children's television presenters because of Jimmy Savile. The animals that are most susceptible to fatal diseases are, in fact, elephants, which are known to carry bacteria responsible for worldwide epidemics. Unfortunately, this was the case with Cholita, an Andean bear illegally kept at a famous circus in Peru, now thriving in the wild. Ever wondered why larger animals such as bears, tigers, and lions keep pacing back and forth in their cages? Additional rare animals which receive protection in U.S. zoos include the Addax, Amur tiger, Borneo elephant, and the Pacific walrus. There are specific guidelines and regulations that must be followed. Bet this one caught you completely off-guard! Also, during the off-season period, they are housed in tiny crates meant for traveling. Will you donate today and show kindness to animals who only know sadness and pain? Here you can find a list of the most popular circus animals: Lions Tiger Elephants Giraffes Rhinos Hippos Bears . These actions are so unnatural that no animal can be encouraged or instructed to carry them out they must be forced. It takes thousands of years for animals to become domesticated. is relatively common. Trainers at the circus often use whips, bullhooks, and other objects that inflict pain as the primary way to train animals to do tricks. Because the idea that wild animals belong to the circus is outdated. NerdySeal . He instantly became the biggest star (both literally and figuratively) of the show. Most circus trainers act ethically and responsibly with their animals. There are very few chances for them to run around, play, or socialize with others of their species. Animals Should Not Be Used for Entertainment. That way, the animal will not bleed during the show, and a bandage is not necessary. You rarely see wild elephants traveling and living all by themselves. that are most affected by tiny cages are lions, tigers, bears, and elephants. The Wild Animals and Circuses (Wales) Bill came into force on 1 December 2020. Is this the lesson we want to teach our children? Carson and Barnes Circus supports its own herd of retired elephants in Oklahoma. It is amazing to see all the tricks that the circus trainers can get the animals to do. If you want to take it one step further, consider writing a letter to your local officials to stop cruel circus shows in your area. Barnum in 1865. Most of them are highly educated people who are specifically trained to provide the best care possible. during the show, they are actually prompting the canine with a sharp, painful pinch. 96 percent of circus animals are kept in cages for 11 months of the year. Of course, from the audiences perspective, the show might seem like an awe-inspiring performance starring some of the most exotic and wild creatures known to man. By placing them in shelters or zoos they will be able to recover from their injuries and be protected. Although this is a great step, domesticated animals such as horses, dogs, goats, llamas and birds are sadly still permitted to be used in Irish circuses. Circus animals age and eventually outgrow their usefulness. Pros & cons of the circus animals by Jodi Strehlow / in Lifestyle Attending a circus event is a rite of passage for many youngsters. Without question, a wild animal ban would threaten the existence of many circuses. Frequently, visitors feed large animals with iconic snacks such as peanuts and popcorn. suffered the disease after getting too close to an ill elephant. Laws state that these species cannot be poached from the wild or sold for commercial purposes. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. She would kill her trainer, seriously injure her groomer, and then bolt from the arena to run through the streets of the city. The consultation was held during the year I was writing Circus Mania and immersed in the world of circus, but I never heard about it. Chinese circuses have defended their shows, saying that the animals are well fed and that teaching them tricks can help them become "stars". In 2006, the last Labour government commissioned a six-month study of circus animals, with full participation by circuses and anti-circus campaigners, and concluded that circuses were as capable as other captive environments, such as zoos, of meeting the welfare needs of the animals in their care. Zoological gardens are a controversial component of human society. Most itinerary stops are not inspected even though there are USDA minimum standards of care in the United States. Captured animals that are brought to the zoos tend to develop behavioral problems, which causes concern for the overall well-being of all the resident animals. All animals in a zoo or menagerie are kept in an enclosure, displayed to the public, and . Second, animals in captivity are often subject to cruel and inhumane treatment, including being fed an unnatural . Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feeling the circus once provoked. 4. Zoos provide opportunities for nice family trips. Initially this is done with violence, then with the promise of food. By the late 19th century, lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and other animals from overseas would travel the United States, performing shows on a large scale with zoological exhibits as a marketing point. Vicious training tactics are also used on mans best friend dogs. These animals are typically kept for the purpose of public display, education, research, or conservation. In conclusion, animals used for entertainment whether wild or domesticated are poorly treated, and the practice should be eliminated altogether. The average life expectancy of a tiger in captivity is 26 years compared to 15 in the wild. Required fields are marked *. Alternatives to balloons and sky lanterns. Your email address will not be published. Over prolonged periods this can result in abnormal behaviours and health problems related to anxiety. When working with exotic animals people learn from them and they can learn life values such as compassion. Two opinions. Animal rights activists object to the overwhelming number of animals that have died due to abusive treatment and lack of veterinary care in circuses. 2. 2. Numerous countries have based welfare acts that cover the treatment of animals, making their abuse a punishable crime that can lead to jail time. Pros And Cons Of Zoos . For full information read our circus reporthere. China has banned animal circuses and Bolivia; Question: The Pros and Cons of the Circus Animals Attending a circus event is a rite of passage for many youngsters. Some of them travel for 11 months of the year in trailers or railroad cars with no climate control. While the circus created jobs for singers, dancers, entertainers, clowns and misfits who could levy their socially awkward physical appearance for a livelihood, it presented a challenge for the animals. Bit ironic, isnt it? Many instances link the deadly disease to an infected. Training and performance are organised play, like throwing a stick for a dog or pulling string in front of a cat. Nevertheless, were you aware that the abused circus animals receive poor veterinary care or none at all? If a zoo has a breeding programme, this is another way to protect endangered species which may have trouble finding suitable mates in the wild. I was brought up to believe it was wrong for animals to perform in circuses, so I understand why many people harbour that instinctive belief. Fortunately, this article will attempt to expose the extreme horror that is the animal circus and what goes on behind closed doors (or, should I say cages). There are health risks to consider with some circus animals. The arguments for zoos. The wild animals commonly abused in circuses are extremely stressed by circus conditions. If you were wondering which kinds of conditions these entail, check out the following. He used a 42-foot diameter ring for his tricks, and that has been the standard size used by the circus ever since. Having investigated the matter in great depth for my book, Circus Mania, I changed my mind and would like to present 10 reasons why the show - with animals - should go on. On the other hand, elephants in the circus or zoo are given straw, branches, and hay. Some circus groups are intent on preserving the specific animal species they present to the public. It is well documented that elephants are forced to perform these actions by being beaten with bullhooks, while young elephants are savagely constrained and beaten in a process known as the crush, which breaks their spirit and forces them to comply. Not to mention that this process goes on for generations on end. Then there was Benjamin, a 4-year-old elephant who drowned while attempting to swim in a pond after being tortured with a bullhook. Animals such as camels will spend their time in animal tents, in fenced-off areas or tethered to graze. Circus animals receive food, shelter and veterinary care. Just think of Gus, a polar bear kept in Central Park Zoo, who, in the mid-1990s, worried spectators as he obsessively swam up and down his tiny pool, sometimes even for. ("PETA") and other animal right protecting organizations, try to protect and restore basic rights to the animals. Another case from 2013 revealed that eight workers at the Zoo in Oregon suffered the disease after getting too close to an ill elephant. Pros of Animals in Captivity There are several arguments and benefits in favor of animals in captivity, some of which include: Education and awareness: Animals in captivity can be used for educational purposes and can raise awareness about different species and their conservation needs. The circus show called "An Evening with Lions and Tigers" uses specially trained animals to perform tricks in front of a live audience. Sadly, the circus animals lost a dear friend and a passionate animal rights advocate. 1,408 15. Critics argue that animals in captivity may suffer from stress and confinement and that they may not be able to express their natural behaviors. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What countries still use animals in circuses? The most common and cruel tactic for forcing animals to perform elaborate tricks is by terrifying them with different forms of physical (and mental) punishment. As a result, many circus animals are alsounderfed to keep them hungryand eager to please. 2. Visitors are not only entertained, but also educated. Since 2000, there have been over 35 serious cases of elephants escaping circuses and running wild through city streets. The problem with many animal-based circuses is that they run on tight budgets and take shortcuts on the care they must provide. By entering your email and clicking Sign Up, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. There are a number of reasons why animal captivity is a problem. Differing viewpoints regarding what constitutes animal abuse compounds this issue. The animals would often be overworked, beaten until they were willing to submit, and forced to live in confined conditions while trying to balance below average food supplies and irregular feeding schedules. There are many types of animal sporting events, with varying levels of participation from humans. , lions and tigers with a white coat can only be produced by father to daughter or sister to brother. According to upsetting facts on circus cruelty, lions and tigers with a white coat can only be produced by father to daughter or sister to brother inbreeding. The Knie circus has pitched its tents in Freiburg - and promptly there Zoff: Animal rights activists accuse: lions and elephants do not belong in the ring, they say. The co-developer of The Simpsons, Sam Simon, bought zoos and circuses and shut them down. The best way to educate kids on this topic is by explaining the animals natural behavior and then contrasting it with the behavior in the circus. Unfortunately, the lack of exercise does not only apply to when the circus is on the move but in general. China has banned . Royalty of other ancient civilizations were fascinated by exotic animals such as the princes in Arabia and kings, queens or emperors of China, Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece, and Rome. Elephants entertain people in the circus Voyage / Peta Deutschland e.V. In circuses, animals are made to perform unnatural tricks which no individual would willingly carry out. Proponents of using animals for entertainment argue that condemning animal related events shows a lack of sensitivity toward cultural traditions. So what is the problem with wild animal performance? We found bears rocking in tiny cages a well-known sign of stress and mental health disorders and macaques chained by their necks. Essay, 13 pages (3,326 words) Just take a look at some of the prior incidence of said abuse. Using animals for entertainment means that the animals are being taken advantage of, suffering, and even dying, for the amusement and pleasure of onlookers. 1. Thats why many owners are encouraged to stop taking animals from the wild for their shows and to work with others to improve populations. The Pros and Cons of Zoos for Wildlife Conservation As years have passed since the world's first scientific zoo was opened to the public in 1828 in London, a lot of things have changed for the better (Gray . Furthermore, plenty of circuses lease their creatures seasonally from different dealers. It was the American format that brought exotic animals into the circus industry. It is time to rethink the idea of having any animals in a circus. Hence, obesity is not only prevalent in humans. Animals in the circus that are most affected by tiny cages are lions, tigers, bears, and elephants. Sadly, circus animals are not treated like the stars they are. Hopefully, this article helped you realize that what we, humans, are doing is extremely wrong and unfair towards our fellow living beings. Sometimes the beatings are so violent that they cause the animal to bleed. Even then, any animal that is forced to do tricks as a way to generate applause is one that is being potentially abused for the sake of human income. The animals are beaten, punished, and humiliated to become more submissive and do the tricks the trainers want them to do. "}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What happens to animals in circuses? Not many of us know that circuses featuring animals are actually extremely cruel to those lovable creatures. Only a small fraction of the people who care for these animals use abusive practices. When officials found Heather, they estimated her weight to be 2,400 pounds. Your email address will not be published. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by the law. When there are regimented food and medication schedules that get followed to the letter, then their health can be supported in ways that may not be possible in the wild. Well, the extreme frustration and the increased mental stress exhibited in animals in captivity, popularly known as zoochosis, causes these poor animals to do just that. In May of 2017, the last elephant made treads under the legendary big top of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus due to public demand that the giant animals be retired from such grueling work in the sawdust-laden three rings of the 146-year-old circus. Many of the circus animals that traditionally tour with the show are on the endangered species list. China has banned animal circuses and Bolivia has banned live animals from travelling circuses. suffered greatly at the hands of their handlers. It is crucial to realize that circuses without animals are much more fun as they do not exploit wild or domestic creatures. Animals in Circuses and 15 Facts Why They Should Be Banned. If an animal is found in the wild wounded and unable to return to its original environment, a circus can humanely take care of and display them to the benefit of the animal and the education of the public. Wild animals have naturally evolved to be comfortable with certain environments, habitats, and climates. Canines, a species known for being loyal companions, are also subjected to painful training tactics, such as the pinching method. circuses and running wild through city streets. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. Animals circus abuse does not only involve beatings and confinement to small spaces. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Most importantly, Simon managed to shut down some circus companies and even protested against the Ringling Bros. to take. These days they call it 'enrichment.'. Circuses Elephants, tigers, and other animals that circuses use to entertain audiences do not stand on their heads, jump through hoops, or balance on pedestals because they want to. The dull days of farming, working in sweaty factories or other menial jobs could be punctuated with a sense of wonder that the annual circus could bring to a city or sleepy town. It is not unusual for them to become depressed and despondent in a slow, downward spiral that can eventually lead to self-harm behaviors or attacks against humans. Just think of Gus, a polar bear kept in Central Park Zoo, who, in the mid-1990s, worried spectators as he obsessively swam up and down his tiny pool, sometimes even for 12 hours a day. Big cats do what theyre told to avoid pain. 1/ The Radford Report found no grounds for a ban. Siti Ferhana binti Albidu (57884) 4. While the intent of what zoos are trying to accomplish is good, there are still some cons to keeping these animals in captivity . The animals are confined to a relatively smaller space and it doesn't make a good impact on their well being. So, even though the audience may believe that the trainer is petting the dog during the show, they are actually prompting the canine with a sharp, painful pinch. Proponents view circus animals as an opportunity for children to view and appreciate animals. France: General ban on the use of wild animals as of 2028. Then they go back into a cage that has barely enough space for them to take a step in any direction. 2. I'm not sure who was surveyed in the oft-mentioned 'public consultation' that found 95% of respondents supported a ban, but it wasn't circus fans. To no great surprise, there are a lot of cruel circus companies that are still operational, even though they have been cited plenty of times. Their efforts create jobs for trainers, handlers, dancers, entertainers, and many others who might not be able to use their creative efforts in other ways. Jumbo, the worlds largest circus elephant, was hit by a train after being led to his stall after a show. They are frequently beaten with sharp tools that resemble fireplace pokers called bullhooks. Many people believe that, even with the best conditions and intentions of zoos, these establishments cannot provide the perfect environment for every animal. Animals learn how to do tricks through fear instead of encouragement. After being diagnosed with colon cancer, Simon joined forces with PETA in drawing up a list and helping as many animals as he could before he passed away. Her full bio and clips can be seen at www.vegaswriter.com. Many animals used in circuses are bred in captivity and will spend their entire lives in close contact with humans in an unnatural, stressful environment. According to law enforcement documents from Canadian and American officials, a single tusk African elephant, also of the same name, was beaten in public to the point where she was screaming and bending down on three legs to avoid being hit. Animal trainers use bullhooks, whips, electric prods, and uncomfortable collars to force the poor creatures to do tricks. It is transmitted through the air, placing anyone that comes in direct contact with the ill animal (whether it be another elephant or human) at serious risk.