The Abuse of Circus Animals

I stood in line with excitement in my eyes. I was so happy that I was going to see the circus animals perform. I have only gone to the circus once in my life. I was seven years old, and my only memory was a neon light saver that my mom purchased for me. The crowd was thick, and loud. I didn't want to get separated from my husband, so I held his hand tight. As we made our way to the seats, I could smell the circus animals in the air. We sat in our seats as I waved to the guy selling snacks. The lights dimmed, and the show started.

Once the animals started to perform, I noticed how sad, and distant they looked. Of course, I am not a veterinarian, but the animals didn't look like they do on the Discovery Channel. The elephants appeared to be in pain, the lions,and tigers looked thin, and all of the animals looked afraid. After the show was over, I never wanted to visit the circus again. I spent the rest of the night wondering if I was overreacting. It peeked my curiosity, and I decided to find out what the life of a circus animal was really like.

Travel and Living Conditions

The animals travel in cages with barely enough room to turn around. They often go extended periods of time without water. The circus animals eat, sleep, and release bodily functions in the same area. Elephants have their legs chained for up to twenty hours a day. The circus animals face a life of constant confinement. They are not able to socialize with other animals. They are not allowed to nurture their young, because they are removed from them when they are young.

Training

Training methods are harsh, and cruel. Since animals are not born knowing how to perform, they have to be trained. The stunts that they perform are dangerous, and painful. Instruments such as bull hooks, bats, and pipes are used to strike the animals being trained. Trainers use electric shock on animals. Drugs are also used to make the animals more manageable. Bears have their paws burned to make them walk on their hind legs. Bears have also had their noses broken. Some animals have their teeth removed to prevent biting. The circus animals live in constant fear of torture and beatings.

Health

Vet care is minimal. Circus animals can become ill in captivity. Elephants have been known to carry tuberculosis, which can be passed on to humans. Children are especially vulnerable to the disease.

Mental stability

Animals have basic instincts that need to be fulfilled. Circus animals face a life of loneliness. They never get the opportunity to run, play, or hunt. Elephants sway back and forth from frustration, anger, and boredom. Living a life of solidarity can cause mental distress in the animals. This can result in attacks on humans.

What Happens When They Retire?

When circus animals are no longer able to perform, they are sold to zoos, menageries, for medical experimentation, or to game preserves to be hunted.

Because of the reported abuse of animals, some countries have banned the use of animals in circus acts.