Friday 11 January 2013

Circus Animal Abuse

Source(google.com.pk)
Circus Animal Abuse Biography
How many times have people witnessed or heard about animal cruelty? Circuses are one of the many places where animals are treated poorly. One of the many endangered species that are forced to 'join' the circus is the largest land mammal, the elephant. Wild animals, such as the elephant, are taken from their natural habitat to perform uncomfortable tricks for human entertainment. They suffer from the drastic changes in climate, the inappropriate shelters and transportation conditions, and the countless beatings. There needs to be a greater respect for animals, not dominance over animals.
The Roman Empire was a time period of proving man's superiority. Blatant cruelty was found in their circuses. In 70 amphitheaters, elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, deer and more were butchered just for the fun of it. 8 thousand animals were killed on the first two days of the opening of the Coliseum in Rome itself. This was only a display of warriors' skills and courage. It was to prove their dominance over nature. These cruelties came to an end around the fifth century A.D (Preece & Chamberlain 9). It only ended because of the fall of the Roman Empire and the economic decline when ex.
In September of 1999, the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus had been charged under the U.S. Animal Welfare Act for mistreating elephants. In 1998, inspectors from the U.S. Department of Agriculture found several elephants with wounds. They said the wounds were caused by abuse of an ankus, a large hook that is used to force animals to obey commands. Circus officials denied the allegations and claimed that the elephants suffered from infected hair follicles (Hosaka 1). Animal activists boycott and protest against the circus, however, they still can not drive away the public. According to a vice president with the Clyde Beatty-Cole Bros. Circus, Renee Storey, attendance at shows is growing (2). If crowds continue to go to the shows.
Animal Acts and the Circus |
The Terror and Subjugation of Entertainment Animals |

During the Seven Year’s War, and English entrepreneur named Phillip Astley began an equestrian act that would become the antecedent of the modern American circus.   In 1793, Bill Ricketts cultivated Astley’s idea and opened the first one ring show in Philadelphia to great acclaim and success.   Soon after in 1825, Joshuah Purdy Brown developed a canvas tent to house performers and the travelling circus was founded.   Along with the awe inspiring trapeze artists, amazing strongmen, daring tightrope walkers and enigmatic ring masters, a hidden legacy of cruelty and animal abuse was born alongside this American tradition.
As equestrian acts gave way to exotic menageries it was clear to the owners that their audiences were enthralled by the majesty and grandeur of their exotic beasts.   To the circus, animals meant money and it wasn’t long before they were being trained to perform alongside humans.   Common sense dictates that training a wild animal requires more than praise and treats but circus propaganda insists that attaboys and snacks are enough.   It is a lie, circus animals are abused.   They are beaten, whipped, chained by their ankles, made to live the majority of their existence in cages and are subjected to psychological torture by the very people who call them “family”.
When animals are made to perform unnatural acts in taxing environments everyone suffers.   Once the pain and confusion become too much to bear, these animals experience horrific breakdowns and turn on their handlers.   In the end, there is sorrow and death. The circus is no place for animals.
Live animal acts put both the performer and the people around it in danger.   Firstly, some of the acts require elephants to hold unnatural positions two or more times daily for weeks on end.   These positions restrict the inner organs and put stress on muscles and joints which are not genetically designed to hold. (not domesticated) animals, in my opinion
    Lions -- Less popular than a century ago, still occasionally seen.

 (not domesticated) animals, in my opinion
    Lions -- Less popular than a century ago, still occasionally seen.

    Tigers -- The most popular of the big cats of the circus. White tigers and alternate color variations are ordinary genetic mutations of the Bengal tiger. There are several subspecies of tigers seen in circuses: Siberian (largest), Bengal (large), Sumatran (not quite so large). Bengals and Sumatrans are sometimes preferred because they seem to be more active and agile.
    Leopards -- Difficult to work with, so they are less often seen among the big cats. Black panthers and spotted leopards are the same species (they may even be litter mates).
    Other cats -- In the past, circuses have featured jaguars, cheetahs, cougars, and other big cats (and you may still see them rarely). Most smaller wild cats are not suitable for circus performances because of their small size and difficulty in training and handling.
    Apes -- Chimpanzees and, less often, orangutans have seen the circus. Relatively rare in recent times.
    Monkeys -- Baboons and occasionally other species of monkeys have been used in circuses, but far less in recent times.
    Bears -- Polar bears and grizzlies are among the largest and most dangerous. Smaller brown bears and black bears are more commonly seen. Rarely, other species are seen.
    Sea lions -- Also (incorrectly) called seals, sea lions are rarely exhibited in circuses in recent years but continue to perform in theme parks and other permanent shows.
This is not an all-inclusive list of circus animals, but it gives you the most often seen types.

Circus Animal Abuse
 
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse
 
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse
Circus Animal Abuse

1 comment:

  1. Hi,
    I am Nisha from Nepal.
    First of all, I really wish to thank you for doing such an amazing job-speaking up for the voiceless.
    The other reason why I am writing to you is because I am making a small video on animals to create awareness among the people of my country. The condition of animals in my country is appalling especially the stray dogs. People do not care and those who care are very rare and if any they cannot do anything because of the lack of good organizations, awareness and funds to support animals. There are over 20,000 stray dogs just in the capital city. I have no idea how many are there in other parts of the country. Most of the people here consider dogs and pets are a source of entertainment and when they fail to do so, they abuse them physically and mentally. I have witnessed many of such heart-wrenching acts but I cannot do anything against them because there are no laws on animal abuse or anything of that sort. And the condition of stray animals is even more heart breaking. Almost every single dog lives in a pitiful state, suffering from starvation, disease, maltreatment and skin disorders. Some dogs carry rabies. Throughout Nepal, 16,000 people get dog bites and over 200 people die of rabies every year. Hundreds are killed every month by vehicles. Talking about a recent issue, we are having a SAARC meeting in Nepal and the stray dogs are relocated. I wonder how thousands of dogs are going to survive in the same place. Some organizations raised voice against it, but in vain. That is the condition here. I cannot do much from my side and the least I can do is make people realize that animals are living beings too and they can feel the pain too which I believe many people do not take into consideration. For that purpose, I am making a small video and I found a picture on your website which would fit perfectly to my video. I would really appreciate if I could use that picture on my video. I would be posting the video on social networking sites as well. So, would it be okay for me to use pictures from your website? I would really appreciate your help.
    Thank you
    Kindest regards,
    Nisha

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