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Introduction
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) opposes the use
of elephants in circuses. Circuses subject elephants to cruel training
and constant confinement. “Positive reinforcement” is
little more than a myth propagated by the circus industry. Trainers
dominate animals using painful punishment to ensure that they perform
tricks on command.
An October 11, 2002, editorial in the Detroit Free Press, entitled,
“Circus Entertainment Comes at the Expense of Animals,”
by Ron Kagan, director of the Detroit Zoo, stated, “Living on
the road, circus animals are not able to have either appropriate physical
or social environments. Constant travel in the back of a truck or
train, daily and prolonged restraint—often including chaining
or confinement in small barred cages—and rigorous physical training
and discipline are all very stressful. … In my view, anyone
who strikes an elephant—or any other animal—should be
prosecuted for animal cruelty.”
Circuses are regulated by the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which
is enforced by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The AWA
establishes only bare-minimum guidelines for certain species. For
example, the AWA does not protect horses, ponies, birds, rats, mice,
reptiles, or amphibians. The AWA does not prohibit the use of bullhooks,
whips, electrical shock, or other commonly used devices that cause
pain and suffering. The AWA also does not address the special physical
and social needs of elephants. The USDA may inspect circuses as infrequently
as once per year.
A federal exhibitor license does not exempt a circus from state and
local laws. Because federal laws are weak and poorly enforced, many
state and local governments have enacted stricter laws to protect
animals and the public, and a growing number of communities are banning
the use of exotic animals in traveling shows.
In the past, circuses often took advantage of the fact that animal
control officers, humane investigators, and state wildlife agents
were unfamiliar with exotic species, such as elephants. Because of
heightened public awareness and evidence of routine mistreatment in
circuses, local authorities are now giving closer scrutiny to traveling
animal acts. As a result, local enforcement agencies that monitor
circuses commonly find violations of municipal codes and humane
laws.
Before the circus comes to town, establish a relationship with your
local zoo and exotic animal veterinarians. When the circus arrives,
make frequent, unannounced inspections. During the initial visit to
the circus, notify the person in charge that you are conducting an
inspection. Do not allow circus personnel to intimidate or threaten
you. Ask to review all paperwork, such as current permits, health
certificates, and recent USDA inspection reports. Notify the USDA
if your inspection reveals a new AWA violation or a previously identified
violation that remains out of compliance. Inspect the elephants first.
Ask circus officials if the elephants have any injuries or illnesses.
Walk around and closely examine each elephant. Check the elephants
each day that the circus is in town. Arrive at least 30 minutes before
performances and observe the animals during the shows and elephant
rides and after performances.
It is very important to do your job as you normally would. Do not
allow circus officials to influence your judgment. Be certain to take
photographs and videotape as evidence of potential mistreatment.
Tips for Videotaping: Do not talk while filming. Slowly film
the entire body. Zoom out and hold the camera steady on the entire
elephant. Zoom in and film the elephant’s feet for several seconds.
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You can help stop the suffering of elephants, tigers, and other animals
abused in the name of "entertainment." Click
here to support PETA's vital work.
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"Make 'Em Scream": Watch Standard Elephant-Training Practices
Ringling Bros. Exposed
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