Help Fight Circus Cruelty in Your Town
Circus season has arrived and we need your help to stand up for animals who are forced to entertain under the big top. In many circuses, animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing them beaten, whipped and denied food and water to force them to learn their routines.
If a circus featuring animal acts comes to your area, here’s what you can do:
- Don’t Go!
…Instead, choose a circus that doesn’t feature animal performers—and there are lots of them! Read our list of cruelty-free circuses. - Contact the Venue Hosting the Circus
Ask that the invitation be withdrawn and suggest an animal-free circus instead. - Ask Authorities to Check on the Treatment of Animals
If the circus comes to your town, make sure the correct permits have been obtained. Also, ask your local law enforcement agency or humane society to ensure that local and state laws regarding the humane treatment of animals are being followed.
Read our Top Ways to Help Fight Circus Cruelty for a more complete list of actions you can take.
P.S.: The ASPCA is doing its best to fight against circus cruelty. We are currently involved in a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
Ringling has pitched its tents on Coney Island for the summer, and we’re asking animal lovers to contact the CEOs of Taconic Investment Partners, Paul E. Pariser and Charles R. Bendit, who are providing a free lot to Ringling Bros. Send a respectful email letting them know that their donation is supporting cruelty to animals.
