Animals in Entertainment:
"The exhibiting of trained animals I abhor. What amount of suffering and cruel punishment the poor creatures have to endure in order to give a few moments of pleasure to men devoid of all thought and feeling."
-Albert Schweitzer
The Winnipeg Humane Society is opposed to the use of wild/exotic animals in
circuses or other entertainment events. We believe that there is inherent
cruelty involved in the training, confinement and constant travel these animals
endure. As well, they are often depicted in a disrespectful manner by engaging
in unnatural behavior and performing tricks.
The circus "beast wagon"
Apart from the time spent performing in the ring, many animals used in circuses
spend the rest of their lives in tiny transport cages. Sometimes the cages
are so small that the tigers and bears can barely turn around. They must
perform all of their life functions (including, eating, sleeping, urinating
and defecating) in this same small area.
Life in chains
Circus animals that are not confined in cages are usually kept tethered
or shackled. Elephants are routinely kept shackled and many bear ankle
scars from lifelong leg chains.
Life on the road
Circus animals suffer terribly from the constant travel, as it's often
over long distances in poorly ventilated trucks and trailers. The long
drives (in which they are closely confined) cause them to have to stand
in their
own urine and feces, which most animals would never choose to do. When
one circus has ended its tour, the animals are frequently contracted out
to another
circus so life on the road continues.
Harsh or abusive training methods
Offensive training methods are often required to control animals and coerce them into performing tricks. According to former Hollywood animal trainer, Pat Derby, "To get an animal to perform on cue requires cruelty. A dog does not want to jump through a hoop. A bear doesn't want to waltz".
Most training is done behind closed doors so it is impossible to know exactly
what has gone on.
Wildlife conservation: endangered species
What are we learning about a tiger that jumps through a hoop
of fire or an elephant that wears a skirt and dances? These are not the
natural behaviours of these magnificent creatures. They are being depicted
in quite
disrespectful ways. In a day and age when we have access to thrilling video
footage of these animals in their natural habitat, it cannot be justified
to use animals in this way.
What you can do!
You can choose not to support these or other entertainment
events that use wild/exotic animals by not purchasing tickets. Let the
circus organizer
know why you are not attending and let them know whether you would attend
if it were an "all human" circus. Support initiatives in your community to ban wild/exotic animals from
being brought to town for entertainment events.
Visit www.zoocheck.com and www.cfhs.ca for more information on these topics and
other wildlife issues.
