This is absolutely heartbreaking and to watch some of the links were hard. I have never been to the circus and now after watching I would never give this people my money.Makes me so angry that "human beings" can be so cruel.
Honestly, I couldn't bring myself to watch the links. I am totally against cruelty of any kind. It's bad enough that these animals are placed in small cages that provided limited space and transported from state to state to perform. Knowing now that they are subjected to physical abuse on top of the emotional abuse is unfathomable. Valentina P.
I cant bring myself to watch the links myself. I recently watched that movie Water for Elephants and it made me realize how they treat the animals. You never really realize something until you witness it with your own eyes. -Marissa Kohrherr
If I hear anyone talking about going to a circus I'm going to chime right in their discussion and let them know that they will be supporting a horrific act of animal cruelty for their human selfish entertainment.
This is just so sad! How can anyone do this to animals. The circus is supposed to be fun for children and parents, but in reality it is torture for the animals. So sad!!!
I couldn't finish watching one of the videos. I have been to one circus in my life and I was a very small child and I knew then that I didn't like animals in cages. For that reason, I was always afraid to go to a zoo. I will have to say that I had a wonderful experience at the New Orleans Zoo a few years ago. Each animal section had an area very similar to their own natural habitat. I was able to be inches away from an owl. The handler said they rescue hurt birds and animals and nurse them back to health and give them a safe home at the zoo. The owl had been hit by a car and left for dead and now lives a happy life in the zoo, I also got to pet an elephant! That was in the top 10 of great things in my life. Laura E.
These human seem so angry in every video. Why else would you hit an animal that hard? I can see a tap to lead them in the right direction because they are so big, but these people are really hitting them and its so sad. I have been the circus before as a child, but never knew this stuff went on.
I used to love going to the circus as a child and really wish I could take my children to enjoy the show but I just cannot promote this kind of treatment for the animals. You would think that since these animals can sometimes be the star of the show and so much training has to go into them, they would be treated like an "equal" or shown respect as a loving pet or something along those lines.
After seeing these article I was so shocked i did further research into the topic of Ringling Bros. I actually found a current article from December 28, 2013 that claimed that this was a false accusation. The employee that claimed to work for Ringling Bros was paid off by animal rights programs. ASOCA had to pay them $9.3 million dollars for the false accusations and "The judge declared Rider to be essentially a "paid plaintiff," finding that his only source of income during the previous eight years had been the animal-welfare groups involved in the case and media companies producing reports about it" Attached is the link for further information on this. Although these accusations were proven to be false in court I still believe that during training the animals may be overworked and mistreated.
maybe people get off and aren't convicted in court. If the animals could talk and testify for themselves it might have ended differently but I will check the article out. M Brooks-Curry
I will definitely check out the article, however it's sad to think that an individual would be willing to agree in making such false accusations regardless of his/her situation. Seems unethical to me. Valentina P.
I have seen and heard about what people do at circus' and because of this I will never go to another circus in my life unless i do research and make sure that they do not abuse the animals. It makes me so sad that people can harm animals the way that they do and expect them to be obedient to them.
It is sad! I too feel that I will never go to a circus! But, I also feel that if people do not go to the circus, the poor animals may be forced to do more complicated "tricks" and they would cause them to be subjected to more cruel punishments.
yes I think alot of cruelty is hidden as well I agree with Beth J. How can a person try up an animal so much and constantly poke them with sticks and whip them? M Brooks-Curry SCC
I haven't ever been to a circus, but after watching those videos I absolutely will never attend one! That is absolutely disgusting. It's like the people are just taking out built up frustrations on the animals who did absolutely nothing wrong. It really makes me want to remove all of the animals and make sure that they have a safe home. That was heartbreaking.
If only they would realize if they treat the animals properly and with respect the animal might actually do what they want them to do when they want them to do it. Otherwise they are going to ignore them and act out. -Marissa Kohrherr
This is heartbreaking. To see the cruel behavior just hurts my heart. These are innocent helpless animals that do nothing but preform and create a profit for these workers. The animals are the show, they are the money makers. For these people to willingly commit animal abuse is ridiculous.
I couldn't bring myself to watch the videos because those type of videos upset me to the point of nightmares. I have seen specials on TV where animals have gone crazy due to their cruel treatment and don't want to imagine what would drive them to that point. People who harm animals should be prosecuted and put in jail.
Hitting animals for no reason (in the training videos) is a crime! If you hit a person for no reason it is a crime and you can be arrested. The same should apply to animal trainers! Laura E.
I always wondered how the trainers at circuses, or other places where animals are on display, were kept in line. I've never been to an actual circus, and I definitely won't start going now. There are other ways to train animals, than hitting, whipping, etc. Animals don't deserve to be treated this way, especially for our amusement. Diondra Ellis
These animals are very precious. These so called trainers should'nt have to hit there animals. They should be one with the animals and be able to control the animal through voice and movement. No reason for the abuse.
I do not understand how the trainer can sit there and abuse the animal the way they do. It doesnt make sense, do they not have feelings? Because I could never do anything like that in the first place but to not care that it happened it just out of line. -Marissa Kohrherr
it is ashame how these trainers would abuse their animals... they are abusing them for no reason....when you go to a circus the trainers are so nice infront of the audience but behind closed doors there are abusers...I will never go to a circus again those poor animals..rose golda
This looks like something that you do to bad animals. I do not see them doing NOTHING wrong. I remember hearing about a circus show where lions scratched and bit the trainer. I can see why now. What in the world is really going on behind what I just seen. ..... D Robinson CSC115
I have only been to one circus in my life and it was all human performers. I would never go to a Circus with animals, because of the touture they put these animals through. Going to watch them would only support the activities. Melissa Lawlor
Good Research Josh; however, there are more than just that one whistle blower. There have been quite a few people speak out and there have been many videos to prove the abuse. I wish it weren't true. I really do.
Just reading the paper or watching the news you see some ugly stories out there about animal cruelty and abuse. Just like some people should never have children some people should never be pet owners or be in contact with animals ever. These people that mistreat animals are scum of the earth. If only the zoo animals could talk-----what things would they say? M Brooks-Curry SCC
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I have always heard that circus's are inhumane. And this just goes to prove that it's true. Very upsetting because I remember as a child being wide eyed and in awe of the circus. It will be hard to never take my child to one. Maybe not all circus's are like this. I would like to do more research on this topic. Thank you for your post.
The hard thing to visualize is what was not filmed--how much worse did it or can it get? Any type of animal cruelty is wrong---they deserve to be loved and treated fairly. M Brooks-Curry SCC
As a child I was afraid of the circus. I actually never found them entertaining. I feel like there is not enough sources out there in the world to let people know how their entertainment is ran and put together. If people knew about all of the cruelty, circuses would go out of business.
Kelsey, As a child I loved the circus. Now that I have seen this, I have a whole new outlook on the circus. It's all about money to them. And, if they are abusing animals for entertainment purposes. They certainly will not be getting my money.
This article, comments and pictures breaks my heart. The way these animals are treated in the filthy small cages, whipped and beaten, given substandard food. If only the circus owners and trainers could be treated the same way. Will not go to a circus again. M Brooks-Curry SCC
I never have been to a circus. I always wondered how people got those animals there. The elephants are huge and I knew that it was not going to be easy to put them on show. Some are raised that way, but I feel bad for the domestic ones. It must suck for them to be pulled out of their natural habitat.
I have never been to a circus that features animals and this makes me not want to go to them at all. I think it is very wrong to treat animals this way and take them away from their natural lives. I never thought about the shows and what they had to do in order to make the animals do what they wanted in them. It never occurred to me that they would have to be so forceful and mean to the animals.
I have never been to the circus before and when I had my daughter I always thought about taking her but after watching that im not. There is no reason why a human should be that forceful to animals . I believe its dangerous and that could be reason why some animals are not tolerant of us because of the mistreatment caused against them.
Ive once been to a circus when I was very young. Always thought circus was cool. Not after seeing this, its rather disgusting actually. Animals that are in the in wild belong in the wild, even if they are raised outside of the wild its still in them to be wild. Beating animals just to entertain people is horrible. When these animals retaliate we want to blame the animals but it really isn't their fault AT ALL.
this may be the mean way to say it but this is to the people that are hurting the animals. when you go home how can you sleep eat or even live with yourself don't ever feel even a little bit of guilt. what if you were the animal that was being harmed. did you think that the animal wanted to be where you put them at. the worst part is that most of those animals are being taken from the wild. what if someday someone broke into your house and took you from your family too top it off you are being hit and hurt for the sake of other peoples entertainment
I agree. Unfortunately, people who are demented enough to think it's acceptable to treat animals like this probably aren't going to look at it like you and I. Richelle L SCC
According to my religion Islam,we should treat animals in a very good way,and if not you are going to get punishment from God. I think this is fair because animals have their own rights.
i have never been to a circus. and i don't think i will be willing to go to one. i don't see the reason why people go to events like this. watching an animal been used for harmful sports is not something i would like to watch. neither is it fun for other people to watch. I think the people that are in charge of this act be treated the same way. Gifty Botchway scc
Wow, it is crazy to think that this abuse takes place at a circus such as Ring Ling. I don't understand why people find it necessary to abuse these animals, there must be another way to train them rather than through abuse. This is sickening and despicable. Ring Ling and other circuses that treat their animals in this manner should be ashamed and in my opinion, need to be punished by the government. Gabrielle P
Did you hear the poor elephant cry after being struck in the face repeatedly? Heart breaking! I'm honestly shocked that so much violence is involved with training these beautiful animals. You can see the sadness in the elephants eyes! Emily Gardiner
This literally made me cry. I don't think these people even have a soul. Anything for the almighty dollar! So sad! I never have and never will go to a circus.
I couldn't bring myself to watch all the videos, and after reading this I don't want to at all. I now know why when the circus comes to town there's usually people near by protesting the circus. It never really sank in why they would care so much until now!
As a child I went to the circus a few times, the last time, we got 'back stage' tickets. They let us walk around by ourselves, (no sure why) and unfortunately, we witnessed some of the treatment of the animals, specifically the elephants when they were trying to load them into the trailers. all you heard was the crack of the whip, my family was horrified and we left very quickly. We actually wrote a note to the circus, telling them how sad we were at what we had seen. Who knows if they ever got it; we never received a response.
I can't believe that they didn't even try to hide the fact that they whip the elephants! That's scary because if they are willing to show that to fans then what are they not willing to show!
My thoughts exactly Ashley, If they are willing to show on tape such extreme physical and mental abuse on camera, imagine what they are doing behind the scenes. Scary.
Wow!! The world we live in is scary. They have probably been mistreating these poor animals for so long that it's normal to them. It's horrifying to think if they are willing to treat these animals with so little respect in front of people what kind of abuse they're enduring behind doors. R LaFage SCC
How very sad, I certainly won't be taking the kids to the circus. We actually have never been to the circus, just the thought of how they probably are trained to preform made me think that it probably wasn't in their best interests. -Lmcconnell scc 6/26
I'm shocked, I would think the relationship between a trainer and an animal would be a close one; A relationship built on trust and respect, not abuse. The way these poor animals are treated in sickening. I'm sure there are plenty of equally effective ways to train animals to do the same tricks without harming them. Richelle L SCC
It is sickening that those poor elephants are being treated like that just for entertainment value. Torturing something to get what you want is just wrong and inhumane.
This is horrible. The fact that animals are being tortured and beaten for human entertainment is disgusting. This should stop. People are mammamls just like the elaphents in the zoo. If we stand and ask for equal right then maybe other mammals should have rights as well. It about time someone takes a stand for those who cant stand up for themselves. Nathan Mills
There are things that people make animals do which are not in their scope. People think about anything and they want the animals to do it so as to make people happy. I strongly feel that these animals undergo torture for a long time and people call it training. These people should think of a different way to make money other than circus or generally using innocent animals.
I never understood why people treat animals so curl. Watching those videos were hard. I have been to a circus before but i had no idea that they did that to the animals. I agree the animals are being tortured for the publics entertainment and basically the society is paying for this mess.
Why? Why do they have to suffer and be treated so cruel. This is so awful and unethical. All this for our entertainment? I'd rather they just leave the animals out of the circus.
It is very sad to see the extremes people will go to in order to make money. This is unethical beyond beliefs. Treating animals this way is not the answer. Training them to do all that they can is what you should hope to do. If this was a child, your child, would you want them treated like this? No. You train them and give them all the qualities that you can for them to come out on top, however due to specific circumstances, some happen to do better than others. If you want an animal to perform in a circus, then they should be trained with love and high hopes that they will give it their best.
I could not stomach watching the videos, but this kind of treatment is extremely nauseating not to mention unethical! I have been to the circus once, when I was a child, and will never go back. I don't understand why or how people can treat animals like this. Every person and animal deserves fair and proper treatment.
I could not finish watching the video. I was so angry at how they treated these beautiful and smart animals. It is so upsetting it brought me to tears to know that these beautiful creatures were being struck in the head with these bull hooks! How would those trainers like to be hit in the head with bull hooks just because the elephants were just standing there? It wasn't like they were having an issue. This disgusts me to know these animals don't have the freedom they need to live life on a daily basis. I really hate circus' because of the treatment they give these defenseless animals.
I am disturbed by the amount of abuse that these people did to these animals that I could not watch the rest of the video. I really wanted to reach through my screen and whip these people with whips and see if they liked it. I have two dogs and could not imagine ever doing this to either of them. It's just horrible.
Thirty years ago a co-worker had asked if I would like to have 6 month Eskimo Spitz. He explained the current owner was a circus dog trainer and this particular Spitz was not working out to be show material. I happily accepted and ended up with a beautiful young house pet. He was well behaved and surely let us know when someone was approaching our home. The neat trick he would do was stand on his hind legs while spinning around to accept a treat put before his nose. He also had a peculiar habit of running around in circles, using all fours, when excited about something. When laying down, asleep, he would often suddenly jump up and yelp if someone was walking by close to his back as if his tail was stepped on, but wasn't. My veterinarian said he displayed actions of being neurotic. Now I know why.
The dreadful violence conducted by the trainers toward the helpless fearful animals is disgusting. I can not believe and organization such as Ringling Brothers, would allow such barbaric behavior from their staff towards their animals that make them a success. I can not believe Ringling Bros has not put a stop to the mistreatment of animals.
The dreadful violence conducted by the trainers toward the helpless fearful animals is disgusting. I can not believe and organization such as Ringling Brothers, would allow such barbaric behavior from their staff towards their animals that make them a success. I can not believe Ringling Bros has not put a stop to the mistreatment of animals.
This is horrifying. Not only should the owners be held responsible, but also every employee that is willing to participate in the abuse. On this video, none of these men seemed phased by what their "job" is at that moment. You can even see how the one guy is considerably worse than his colleagues, hitting the elephants right in the face. I have never been to the circus, because even when I was younger, my mother did not believe in going. I will never ever be attending one in the future.
I couldn't look at the videos, I can only imagine what's in them. I never liked the circus, never took my kids either. I always knew there's no way these animal can do all those tricks without being abused. More needs to be done to protect these poor animals. So very sad ;( C. Hayes SCC
These videos were very horrifying. It's a shame for people to abuse animals for their own and others entertainment. If everyone knew about this kind of torture events like the circus would be shut down. Families take their kids to the circus for a fun interesting day to spend time together, if they knew the acts that took place for the animals to be able to do these tricks, families would never participate in that. I think that action should take place with this abuse so it can be put to a stop. Poor innocent animals should not have to take this abuse, they should be loved and cared for. -J. Keen
Jordan I agree. Families attend Circuses not knowing that animal cruelty is taking place for their entertainment. I keep replaying the scene in my mind and it disturbs me.
Stuff like this makes me so upset. People shouldn't be allowed to do things like this to animals. Animals are just like people and you wouldn't do things like this to people, so why do they think it's okay for it to be done to animals?
Its so sad that these animals are treated this way. The circus has always been known to provide entertainment to families and was a great family value. After watching the video, I will let friends and family know of what I have seen. Animals do not have any way of telling us how they are being treated or that they are suffering. I think more stricter fines for this needs to instituted. S.Martin
I have never been to a circus before and I don't think I will. Its bad enough that these elephants have to put on shows everyday instead of living their livesin a wide open safari and then to make it worse they're stabing them with hooks and beating them with sticks? It's insain.
I have been to the circus about 3 times and i can tell you i will no longer do so. i never figured the fact of how intense the "training" was, i figured it as simple as training a dog nothing like this.
Teresa Walker Oct. 17, 2013 at 12:04pm I did not like watching the trainer beat on the elephants. The Trainers appeared angry. Who was recording the video? I am curious if it was a Ringling Bros employee and maybe wanting to expose the cruel acts. I always assumed the trainers and animals had good relationships and that's how they trained them to perform. I feel differently about going to any circus. This was very sad to watch.
I have to admit that I have enjoyed the circus in the past and although I realized that the animals would be better off in the wild I was able to reconcile the fact that they had lost their freedom but in so doing helped people to connect with them and learn to love them and to care about their species. Through this I realize that the trade off is not acceptable, and that cruelty in the name of training is still just cruelty. I will never buy another circus ticket.
Erykah Walker I did not like watching the video. I only watched half of it. This is news to me. I didn't know the animals are treated like this. Something is wrong with these people that would do that to these animals. I didn't see the elephants doing anything wrong for them to treat them like that. Animal cruelty is not right.
This is so disturbing.. I don't know how anyone could do this to animals.. especially elephants! There is no reason what so ever for anything like this to happen.. ive never been to a circus but if this is how they are training them.. I don't think I ever want to go.. no way will I support that! so sad! - Brandi D
This is beyond sad. I could barely hold myself back from crying after watching 40 seconds of this. I will definitely not attend ANY animal circus'. The people harming animals should be treated how they are treating the animals.
I could not watch the video. I have heard about the treatment these poor animals go through. Its no wonder some of these circus animals trample and kill their trainers. This is just too much! These people should be severly punished.
I have been to a circus with my daughter, and I could see how sad these animals were. My daughter wanted to ride an elephant and I tries to talk her out of if, but my mother insisted. I put myself in all these animals shoes and know they are abused to get them to dance and play for the crowd. It was the first and last circus I would be at. I cannot advocate animals being abused for my entertainment.
I agree with you,animals shouldn't go through that pain some people even think that animals don't have feeling,so they just harm them.To me I consider that a crime!!
The Ringling Circus definitely has a long history of animal abuse. When they came to Spokane 5 years ago, several protesters were arrested for chaining themselves to the gates to hand out flyers and beg people to not support animal cruelty. Circus's are one of the many forms of entertainment founded on the abuse of animals. The only true way to stop it is to not feed into the nostalgic industry with our funding.
I have never seen anything like this. the circus is marketed as such a family event where you can go to see exotic animals and see the skills they have naturally. I honestly did not know that so much of it was coached behaviors. since when did senseless torture become a way of training animals when you clearly hear them react with grunts of pain? Pain and discipline are two very different things. Trainers can discipline and coach animals without inflicting pain.
When I took my children years ago to the circus when it came to Philadelphia, I was so happy to be able to provide them with an experience I did not have as a child. Now I can see I hadn't actually missed out on anything as a child. It is cruelty to animals to subject them to pain for any reason. To do so for the sake of entertainment is downright evil. To see these magnificent beasts trapped in a situation where man, who is supposed to have the highest intelligence, is permitted to hurt them is ugly. For this practice to go on for the sake of earning profits is unethical. The public is being falsely led to believe this is all in fun. What enjoyment are the animals being exposed to?
I couldn't watch the video it was just sad. I never been to a circus before, but after watching just a few seconds of the video made me uncomfortable. I don't think I want to go to a cirus now.
I'm absolutely floored at this behavior. After watching this video it made me feel sick to my stomach. This is how animals are "trained" and treated? Awful! When I went to the circus as a child I was so excited to see the animals and now that I have a child I looked forward to sharing that same exciting experience with him but I will not feel the same about the circus anymore. I don't think I'd ever pay money to watch animals that are beaten for no reason and whipped in their face and ears by terrible trainers. This behavior witnessed was just ludicrous and absolutely uncalled for.
Samantha Taylor I would have never thought circus people would treat their anmials the way they did. I cant believe it and its really upsetting to know this, I dont think i will be going to a cicrus anytime soon!
This post has definitely changed my view on the circus. I doubt that I will take my daughter and support this cruel treatment to the helpless animals. Lauren G.
I never knew that animals were treated so badly just for entertainment. They get whipped and caged up to look like idiots for their trainers very cruel. The circus should not be allowed to go on anymore!!
I would have never guessed the circus animals were treated so horribly. I couldn't bring myself to watch the whole video because it is just so sad. After seeing what I did see, and the way they beat the animals I will not being going to a circus anytime soon.
It is a wonder that the circus is still around with the way that they are treating these animals. When I watched the video I was sickened by how they were treated. The animals can't control the way that they are treated. It isn't fair to them they are helpless. I am happy to say that I have never been to the circus and nor will I ever be with that being said!
It is horrifying to learn the pain elephants are enduring at the expense for peoples’ entertainment. The poor elephants spend much of their lives cramped and filthy boxcars and trailers and kept tightly chained by their legs, and helpless elephants are routinely abused and violently beaten with bullhooks in order to force them to perform tricks. It’s terrible and needs to be stopped!
It is unbelievable how people treat these elephants being that we think the circus is something fun and good to go to but is only making it worst for the animals as we pay money to see the Ringling Brothers Circus to watch them perform. Kendall L.
It is unbelievable how people treat these elephants being that we think the circus is something fun and good to go to but is only making it worst for the animals as we pay money to see the Ringling Brothers Circus to watch them perform.
I have not attended a circus since I was a little girl, but I have fond memories about the acrobats, clowns, food, and of course the animals. But reading this post made me feel horrible because some of the animals I enjoyed watching perform were most likely being abused. It is terrible for animals to be taken out of their natural environment simply for our entertainment. It's even worse that they're forced to submit to pain. There needs to be regulations for animals in the circus and rules that they must be trained using rewards rather than punishment, as many zoo's do for their animal shows. It's just sickening when people use animals as objects and not living creatures.
This post was one of the ones that affected me the most, researching for class. To think that something geared towards children that is so full of fun, life, and excitement could be so horrifying behind the scenes is really scary to think about. It makes you wonder what else you're missing out on behind the scenes. You would think that with all the money the circus generates, they could afford bigger cages or more humane ways to train the animals. Just like with testing cosmetics on animals so we can be 'pretty,' these poor elephants are abused all for the sake of entertainment. I don't know about you, but I'll find my entertainment somewhere else. Cory Mullica SCC
I was unaware that this was what was happening behind the scenes of the circuses. I have always thought of circuses to be fun and exciting events, however, after viewing the abuse these animals must go through for people to enjoy the show has given me a whole new look on things. These animals should not have to be put through such torture purely for our entertainment. Dana M.
Its terrible what animals are put through for human entertainment. Of course we all think animals are trained to do such things, just like any pet dog or cat. But abusing these animals, beating them, whipping them to train them or sometimes just because is just wrong. Besides the fact that we are all blind to how they do this. Animals weren't created to be put in a circus or a zoo at that. The circus should be banned. Christina K
No animal should be put through torture just for the entertainment and the money. I know everyone likes the zoo's and likes the circus's but they do not have to put those animals through the beating and the abuse just for the entertainment. These people are blind to the fact that these animals are not for show they are living things that belong to live there life how they want to. No animal should be held in captivity or in cages just to be abused and put a little bit bigger cage. It's just not fair to these animals and personally I definitely agree on these entertainment places to be banned. -Nevada Hornbeck-
S. Evans - This is just crazy. I loved going to the circus when I was younger and in fact was the place I took my now wife on our first date (she loved the circus as well). I can't imagine even thinking about supporting this culture now. No animal should endure that type of treatment just to make humans go "ohhhh, ahhhaa!" Why these trainers feel the need to belittle the animals and whip them is beyond me. I was hoping towards the end of the video that one of the Elephants would just crush a trainer. Gruesome I know, but how much abuse would we be able to take if we were in the elephants shoes?
This post has completely changed my view on the circus as a whole. I have taken my niece and nephew to the circus and to think that this type of cruelty was happening behind the scenes makes me cringe inside. I automatically think about how much money the circus generates each year, and how that money could be used to make the life better for these animals. It makes me think about where my money is going, because it obviously is not going towards the health and happiness of its animals. No animal should be subjected to this type of inhumane conditions and torture solely for the entertainment of humans.
Wow, this is horrible, I never knew this type of cruelty was happening to circus animals! I couldn't get myself to look at all the links because it literally made me want to cry. I love animals, and seeing these elephants getting whipped in the face, ears, and all over their body behind the scene is awful. I haven't been to a circus since I was young, however, after seeing this post I'm not sure if I will ever attend one again because I feel so bad for the animals now. Innocent animals should NOT be put through this pain. Circuses are supposed to be a thrilling, enjoyable performances... but if more people were aware of this, they probably wouldn't attend a circus ever again.
I never imagined that this is how animals in the circus were treated! I can't believe they would do this just to have animals do what they want for personal entertainment. I think this should be known worldwide to put an end to circus's though many kids love it, no animals deserve to be treated like that.
I am very surprised and upset about how the animals are treated at the Ringling Brothers circus. Just a few weeks ago this particular circus company were in town and I was disappointed that I was not able to take my son. But now that I know the truth on how the circus treats their animals I am glad I did not take him. I never imagined that the animals were treated in such a disrespectful way.
This is not the first time that I have heard about this, when it comes to the abuse of animals at a circus, the shocking part is to the extent and severity that it goes. This kind of treatment is the reason why the animals turn on there trainers, but the news NEVER reports that when it happens. Its always, the animal just went crazy, well yea you would too if you got beat, prodded, poked, and shocked and beaten all the time, there is a breaking point for ALL living things. Gene H. SCC
DebbieD. it is appalling what happens to these animals behind the curtain. I do not understood why wild animals, held in captivity, and being used for human entertainment is still an acceptable practice in any part of the world. We have heard and seen the cruelty that comes to to these animals yet we have no legislation banning this. The circus will still be very entertaining if tigers don't jump threw hoops or elephants stand on their hind legs. Research has shown these poor animals lash out due to depress, lack of freedom, and confinement.
DebbieD. it is appalling what happens to these animals behind the curtain. I do not understood why wild animals, held in captivity, and being used for human entertainment is still an acceptable practice in any part of the world. We have heard and seen the cruelty that comes to to these animals yet we have no legislation banning this. The circus will still be very entertaining if tigers don't jump threw hoops or elephants stand on their hind legs. Research has shown these poor animals lash out due to depress, lack of freedom, and confinement.
I have never been a believer of any animals being kept in captivity especially wild animals. I feel like people don't sit back and think about how these animals must feel to be hurt and beaten. It makes me so sad that animals cannot speak up for themselves, some look to us to be their voice but yet there is stuff like this going on for our pleasure. Jaleesa Colon, SCC
Some of those videos were absolutely heartbreaking to watch. Those poor circus animals were being beaten for no reason. I don't believe wild animals should be kept in cages and punished just for the entertainment of humans. How would we like it if it was the other way around? These animals don't deserve this torture. Meghan Dineen
Growing up I went to plenty of circuses and always wanted to ride the elephants. I though about how fun it must be to work for one, but for any animals sake my mind has definitely changed. For the sake of entertainment no less. It really sad that people lack this knowledge...not because it is hid, but possibly knowing and not caring.
Emmily H. It truly amazes me to see what people will do just to make money. It is so sad to see such a gentle animals being treated in such a cruel way. I have always believed that these animals belong in the wild not held captive. This is why you always hear stories about people getting killed or injured from them. They weren't meant to be pets
It is great to see that Ringling was punished in 2011 for their animal cruelty, but obviously it wasn't enough to stop them from continuing this process. More needs to be done to raise awareness of what is going on behind the big top. I know that I will be informing my family members of the abuse and making sure that they do not attend the circuses that frequent our area. -Caitlyn Perry SCC
Alzahraa Hassona When I saw the video and how they keep hitting the elephants,I just felt so sorry about these animals to the point that I hoped that this huge elephant could kill this bad guy!
These videos were horrifying. It's a shame that people abuse animals for their own and also others entertainment. If everyone knew about this kind of torture events like the circus would be shut down. Families take their kids to the circus for a fun interesting day to spend time together, if they knew the acts that took place for the animals to be able to do these tricks, families would never participate in that. I think that action should take place with this abuse so it can be put to a stop. Poor innocent animals should not have to take this abuse, they should be taken care with love and care! -J. Keen
These videos were horrifying. It's a shame that people abuse animals for their own and also others entertainment. If everyone knew about this kind of torture events like the circus would be shut down. Families take their kids to the circus for a fun interesting day to spend time together, if they knew the acts that took place for the animals to be able to do these tricks, families would never participate in that. I think that action should take place with this abuse so it can be put to a stop. Poor innocent animals should not have to take this abuse, they should be taken care with love and care! -J. Keen
It's awful how badly these animals are treated for others enjoyment and entertainment. They didn't do anything wrong to deserve this type of treatment. When I visited Thailand I went to an elephant show and they are such amazing creatures. I even got to pet one. I would never imagine this torture is how the circus gets them to do their tricks. It's heartbreaking. Lauren G.
I did actually have a feeling that the circus was not the kindest to animals but I never would have thought that they would get beat. I understand that they do need to do some things to make the animals do their tricks but violence is not the answer. If the animal doesn't want to do it why should they have to?
So sad how these animals are abused so horribly from the time they're babies for their entire lives. I'm sure it would take a lot more time but there must be other ways to train animals. How about try using positive reinforcement??? There is no excuse for this. Jennifer B
This is absolutely terrible. It is bad enough (and unacceptable) that they are beaten for no reason as adults but to be bound and abused as babies is disgusting. What makes it worse is that elephants and many other animals are and have been trained using positive methods.
It is so terrible how they treat the animals for things like this. It is only about the money anymore and how much they make from it. People are willing to do anything to sell another ticket. It is rather rude. Kelsey S.
I never was a big fan of circuses when I was a little kid and this article made me dislike it even more. Its disgusting the way they train animals to do tricks when their is so many positive ways to reinforce a trick to animals.
When my daughter was little I thought it would be fun to take her to the circus. The animals looked like they were well behaved and properly trained. I never would have imagined the horrible abuse that takes place behind the curtains. I feel so awful for these animals that have to live the rest of theirs lives being tortured.
I went to a circus in Las Vegas when I was young. It is very entertaining especially for a child since they do not know any better. I find that we do not usually think about what happens behind the curtains. Kelsey Stockton
My family and I have been to the circus. I definitely think that training animals to perform to the extremes that they perform HAS to be inhumane. The things those animals do is a testament to their intelligence and they are glorious creatures. Although we delighted in what we saw, we also felt sorry for the animals. We are just as delighted (if not more) to see these animals in their natural habitat. They are beautiful creations and it makes me sad to think of them being mistreated.
It is unnatural for elephants to put in the circus in the first place, but to abuse them while keeping them in unsafe places is horrible. Elephants should be put in their natural habitats, not in the circus.
I do not think it Is so much unnatural for elephants to be in the circus. Because there are a lot of different kind of animals in the circus besides elephants. But it is definitely terrible what is happening to these poor animals while being trained to entertained us the humans.
The video was terrible. I feel so bad for those poor elephants. And yes I do understand why some animals attack there trainers and owners because they are being abused. Natia Palmer
I've always had a feeling that animals in the circus are not treated fairly. The animals are simply there to bring in money. However, after seeing some of those videos, it really is shocking. The lives these animals endure is terrible to think about. There are ways to train an animal without abuse.
This is just horrible! The way that these elephants are treated is just wrong. If the shoe was on the other foot, I know the trainers and circus workers would want to be treated this way. So why should they feel that it is acceptable to treat animals this way, but yet still these circus's still exist. It makes me think that if we know how bad the animals are treated and still let it happen, then they outsiders do not really care about the animals.
Ingrid S This is heart breaking. I can not imagine. This is ridiculous. Wow is all I can say. I never been to a circus before, and after seeing this, don't think I ever will. Poor creatures. This should be a sin.
I couldn't watch the video it was just sad. I never been to a circus before, but after watching just a few seconds of the video made me uncomfortable. I don't think I want to go to a cirus now.
This is so sad. These animals are meant to be wild and instead they are being abused for humans own entertainment and profit. These animals are getting nothing in return for their training, besides pain and abuse. Taylor W.
These videos are so sad to watch. They are using these animals just to make money, instead they should be treated differently because they are there to entertain people. Do they have to be treated like this? Or is it the wicked human heart that is telling them to be so hateful. These animals need to be treated with love since their goal is to make people happy.
It is really heart breaking to see these animals treated as if they are innate or they have no pain , fear or emotion. Majority of consumers do not know what goes on behind the scenes and I use to be one. please keep the education and awareness campaign going . E Fellah SCC
These videos almost made me cry, I have only been to one circus in my life. My wife and I refuse to take our children to a circus because the way the animals are treated. It also should bring attention to places such as Medieval times, do they treat their horses the same way? This is unacceptable and anyone that supports a circus should look into the fact before attending. The only thing i found amusing about a circus was the clowns, and even at that it wasn't that great!
Rebecca S. I didn't understand why my father wouldn't take me to the circus, and as I grew older he finally revealed the cruelty that they treat the poor animals just to entertain us. I will never participate in giving them money, for I do not support them.
It is so sad to know that the elephants are being treated this way just to entertain us. The circus is suppose to be a happy fun time for children. This makes me sick to know that they are torturing these animals in the process.
I've always taken my son to the circus and never thought they treat the elephants the way they do. After seeing what I saw, we'll have to find another activity when the circus comes to town. It's a shame the lengths some will go to just to make a dollar.... DS
Animals should not have to suffer and be harmed especially not for a circus. They are not even worth it. When I was younger, I use to go to circuses with my family but I never seemed to be one of my favorite types of entertainment because just by watching the different acts, I thought of it as animal cruelty. How they whip the animals to behave and do the tricks is disturbing and I don't feel as though any animal should have to go through the cruelty that they are put through.
As a kid, I had always loved going to circus'. I thought that many of the animals were just smart and liked to perform tricks. No one ever mentioned the brutal training that these elephants endured. It really broke my heart to see this. The sadness that looms over them is just horrible. I hope more people are aware of the conditions in which these animals are kept and the abuse that they endure.
Imagine how the elephants are being treated by those people. They tied them up and electro shocked them as well. This is not right! l could not even finish looking at the pictures. Some people are just heartless and l don't think l will ever visit the circus for anything. This is just too much for me. Adefunke L.
As a kid, I had always loved going to circus'. I thought that many of the animals were just smart and liked to perform tricks. No one ever mentioned the brutal training that these elephants endured. It really broke my heart to see this. The sadness that looms over them is just horrible. I hope more people are aware of the conditions in which these animals are kept and the abuse that they endure.
This video was so sad and heartbreaking! I would have never imagined the penalties and punishments these circus animals have to deal with. You can literally see the hurt and pain in the eyes of the elephants. This video really broke my heart and opened my eyes to the terrible training exercises that these poor innocent animals go through. There needs to be more awareness on these conditions and less support of animal circuses.
This video was very disturbing I found it hard to watch. I always felt slighted as a child because I didn't get to go to a circus now I'm glad I didn't. No human nor animal should be treated like this. Do the trainers really need to be so abusive and how would they like it done to them. It's bad enough that they live in the conditions that they do but then to be abused on top of that it's just so cruel.
I didn't watch the video but I looked over some of the blog responses and this is like a no brainer to me. You take animals out of their natural environment and you train them to do tricks for money. That, of an in itself is cruel. That they are abused to teach them tricks is even more cruel but what do people think? Circus animals are kept in cages and chained. Doesn't everyone see that as cruel? I think that it is awful and I am not a fan of the circus or the zoo.
I do not plan on going to a circus anytime soon and I have promised myself that since I have seen information like this a couple years ago. It is sickening to me how animals are treated and I do not plan to pay people that treat animals that way.They will not be getting my money or my support for such behavior. Jessica S. SCC
I am sickened by the brutality by us human beings for our own personal amusement. I once enjoyed going to the circus when I was younger, under the impression that the animals liked what they were asked to do. Never in my worst nightmares did I think that it was an inhumane life for them. I wish my parents had never given them the money to continue. These animals are beautiful creatures and deserve to be free, not locked in a cage. Savannah M.
This is such a disgrace. I will never take my kids to the circus ever again. Knowing what happens behind the scene has given me a new outlook. During the video of the Ringling Brothers those poor elephants were doing what has asked. How can you hit an animal and treat them like that when they are doing nothing wrong? Those men should be put to trial for animal cruelty. Kristal J
I went to my first circus last December to see the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show. I was amazed by the acts and I loved it. But now after viewing these photos and reading the websites, I am disgusted by how they treat the baby elephants. I am ashamed that I enjoyed the show now that I know how they beaten and abused the poor animals just for pure entertainment. I will definitely never go to another circus again. The Ringling Bros. need to be shut down! Ashlee M.
This is absolutely heartbreaking and to watch some of the links were hard. I have never been to the circus and now after watching I would never give this people my money.Makes me so angry that "human beings" can be so cruel.
ReplyDeleteCynthia C.
I totally agree with you in reference to your comment about how angry it makes you for human beings to be so cruel.
DeleteBeth J
I agree it really tugs at your heart M Brooks-Curry SCC
DeleteHonestly, I couldn't bring myself to watch the links. I am totally against cruelty of any kind. It's bad enough that these animals are placed in small cages that provided limited space and transported from state to state to perform. Knowing now that they are subjected to physical abuse on top of the emotional abuse is unfathomable. Valentina P.
DeleteI cant bring myself to watch the links myself. I recently watched that movie Water for Elephants and it made me realize how they treat the animals. You never really realize something until you witness it with your own eyes. -Marissa Kohrherr
DeleteIf I hear anyone talking about going to a circus I'm going to chime right in their discussion and let them know that they will be supporting a horrific act of animal cruelty for their human selfish entertainment.
DeleteI agree this is heart breaking and should be concidered illegal to train in this manner or done away with like donkey basketball!
DeleteThis is just so sad! How can anyone do this to animals. The circus is supposed to be fun for children and parents, but in reality it is torture for the animals. So sad!!!
DeleteDevonna K
I agree that these videos were very sad and hart braking,I cant continue watching them, I already have high blood pressure.
DeleteAlzahraa Hassona
I couldn't finish watching one of the videos. I have been to one circus in my life and I was a very small child and I knew then that I didn't like animals in cages. For that reason, I was always afraid to go to a zoo. I will have to say that I had a wonderful experience at the New Orleans Zoo a few years ago. Each animal section had an area very similar to their own natural habitat. I was able to be inches away from an owl. The handler said they rescue hurt birds and animals and nurse them back to health and give them a safe home at the zoo. The owl had been hit by a car and left for dead and now lives a happy life in the zoo, I also got to pet an elephant! That was in the top 10 of great things in my life. Laura E.
DeleteThese human seem so angry in every video. Why else would you hit an animal that hard? I can see a tap to lead them in the right direction because they are so big, but these people are really hitting them and its so sad. I have been the circus before as a child, but never knew this stuff went on.
ReplyDeleteMelissa F.
I also went to the circus as a child. Who knew? How could anyone be that angry with an animal?
DeleteBeth J
How would they like it to be treated that way? An eye for an eye. How can they sleep at night. M Brooks-Curry SCC
DeleteI used to love going to the circus as a child and really wish I could take my children to enjoy the show but I just cannot promote this kind of treatment for the animals.
DeleteYou would think that since these animals can sometimes be the star of the show and so much training has to go into them, they would be treated like an "equal" or shown respect as a loving pet or something along those lines.
Ashley Batley SCC
After seeing these article I was so shocked i did further research into the topic of Ringling Bros. I actually found a current article from December 28, 2013 that claimed that this was a false accusation. The employee that claimed to work for Ringling Bros was paid off by animal rights programs. ASOCA had to pay them $9.3 million dollars for the false accusations and "The judge declared Rider to be essentially a "paid plaintiff," finding that his only source of income during the previous eight years had been the animal-welfare groups involved in the case and media companies producing reports about it" Attached is the link for further information on this. Although these accusations were proven to be false in court I still believe that during training the animals may be overworked and mistreated.
ReplyDeletetopic.http://usnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/12/28/16221308-aspca-to-pay-93-million-to-ringling-bros-circus-over-claims-about-elephants?lite
Joshua G.
I totally agree that even though the accusations were proven false in court, where there is smoke, there is fire.
DeleteBeth J
maybe people get off and aren't convicted in court. If the animals could talk and testify for themselves it might have ended differently but I will check the article out. M Brooks-Curry
DeleteI will definitely check out the article, however it's sad to think that an individual would be willing to agree in making such false accusations regardless of his/her situation. Seems unethical to me. Valentina P.
DeleteI have seen and heard about what people do at circus' and because of this I will never go to another circus in my life unless i do research and make sure that they do not abuse the animals. It makes me so sad that people can harm animals the way that they do and expect them to be obedient to them.
ReplyDeleteMattie F.
I'm glad to hear that you do research, but I think that alot of the cruelty is hidden.
DeleteBeth J
It is sad! I too feel that I will never go to a circus! But, I also feel that if people do not go to the circus, the poor animals may be forced to do more complicated "tricks" and they would cause them to be subjected to more cruel punishments.
Deleteyes I think alot of cruelty is hidden as well I agree with Beth J. How can a person try up an animal so much and constantly poke them with sticks and whip them? M Brooks-Curry SCC
DeleteI haven't ever been to a circus, but after watching those videos I absolutely will never attend one! That is absolutely disgusting. It's like the people are just taking out built up frustrations on the animals who did absolutely nothing wrong. It really makes me want to remove all of the animals and make sure that they have a safe home. That was heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteJessica Z.
I am with you on removing the animals, the problem is finding them a safe home.
DeleteBeth J
I Never knew what they were doing to train theses animals for shows, that is abuse and its sad.
ReplyDeleteSemiyah N
Agree with you and wish it were different.
DeleteBeth J
If only they would realize if they treat the animals properly and with respect the animal might actually do what they want them to do when they want them to do it. Otherwise they are going to ignore them and act out. -Marissa Kohrherr
DeleteI Never knew what they were doing to train theses animals for shows, that is abuse and its sad.
ReplyDeleteSemiyah N
This is heartbreaking. To see the cruel behavior just hurts my heart. These are innocent helpless animals that do nothing but preform and create a profit for these workers. The animals are the show, they are the money makers. For these people to willingly commit animal abuse is ridiculous.
ReplyDeleteBethany S.
You're right, the animals are the show and receive no benefits except the cruelty. Wouldn't it be nice for their jailers to have a pen of their own?
DeleteBeth J
I couldn't bring myself to watch the videos because those type of videos upset me to the point of nightmares. I have seen specials on TV where animals have gone crazy due to their cruel treatment and don't want to imagine what would drive them to that point. People who harm animals should be prosecuted and put in jail.
ReplyDeleteBeth J
I agree I had to turn my head at parts too. People are so heartless M Brooks-Curry SCC
DeleteI always wondered how the animals were trained. In the second link, I do not see the elephants doing anything that would cause for hitting them.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Sometimes they hit the animal for no reason. I cannot stand that.
DeleteExactly! They're clearly angry, unstable and unqualified to be working with these precious creatures! Richelle L SCC
DeleteHitting animals for no reason (in the training videos) is a crime! If you hit a person for no reason it is a crime and you can be arrested. The same should apply to animal trainers! Laura E.
DeleteI always wondered how the trainers at circuses, or other places where animals are on display, were kept in line. I've never been to an actual circus, and I definitely won't start going now. There are other ways to train animals, than hitting, whipping, etc. Animals don't deserve to be treated this way, especially for our amusement.
ReplyDeleteDiondra Ellis
These animals are very precious. These so called trainers should'nt have to hit there animals. They should be one with the animals and be able to control the animal through voice and movement. No reason for the abuse.
ReplyDeleteMisty F.
I agree, "they should be one with the animals and be able to control the animal through voice and movement". Maybe the trainers need better training.
DeleteI do not understand how the trainer can sit there and abuse the animal the way they do. It doesnt make sense, do they not have feelings? Because I could never do anything like that in the first place but to not care that it happened it just out of line. -Marissa Kohrherr
Deleteit is ashame how these trainers would abuse their animals... they are abusing them for no reason....when you go to a circus the trainers are so nice infront of the audience but behind closed doors there are abusers...I will never go to a circus again those poor animals..rose golda
ReplyDeleteThis is sad and cruel behavior toward the animals. I dont know how people can do that to animals.
ReplyDeleteAmanda S.
I agree, this is absolute torture! How can people live with themselves knowing that they're doing something so wrong to hurt these poor animals?!
Delete-Tiana R.
This looks like something that you do to bad animals. I do not see them doing NOTHING wrong. I remember hearing about a circus show where lions scratched and bit the trainer. I can see why now. What in the world is really going on behind what I just seen. ..... D Robinson CSC115
ReplyDeleteI have only been to one circus in my life and it was all human performers. I would never go to a Circus with animals, because of the touture they put these animals through. Going to watch them would only support the activities. Melissa Lawlor
ReplyDeleteThis is why my children will never go to the circus. I will not take part in the horrible treatment of these precious creatures.
ReplyDeleteGood Research Josh; however, there are more than just that one whistle blower. There have been quite a few people speak out and there have been many videos to prove the abuse. I wish it weren't true. I really do.
ReplyDeleteJust reading the paper or watching the news you see some ugly stories out there about animal cruelty and abuse. Just like some people should never have children some people should never be pet owners or be in contact with animals ever. These people that mistreat animals are scum of the earth. If only the zoo animals could talk-----what things would they say? M Brooks-Curry SCC
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I have always heard that circus's are inhumane. And this just goes to prove that it's true. Very upsetting because I remember as a child being wide eyed and in awe of the circus. It will be hard to never take my child to one. Maybe not all circus's are like this. I would like to do more research on this topic.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post.
The hard thing to visualize is what was not filmed--how much worse did it or can it get? Any type of animal cruelty is wrong---they deserve to be loved and treated fairly. M Brooks-Curry SCC
DeleteAs a child I was afraid of the circus. I actually never found them entertaining. I feel like there is not enough sources out there in the world to let people know how their entertainment is ran and put together. If people knew about all of the cruelty, circuses would go out of business.
DeleteKelsey, As a child I loved the circus. Now that I have seen this, I have a whole new outlook on the circus. It's all about money to them. And, if they are abusing animals for entertainment purposes. They certainly will not be getting my money.
DeleteThis article, comments and pictures breaks my heart. The way these animals are treated in the filthy small cages, whipped and beaten, given substandard food. If only the circus owners and trainers could be treated the same way. Will not go to a circus again. M Brooks-Curry SCC
ReplyDeleteI also think they is alot of abuse at zoos and safaris. The animals are not feed correctly and the cages look so dirty and unkept. M Brooks-Curry
ReplyDeleteI never have been to a circus. I always wondered how people got those animals there. The elephants are huge and I knew that it was not going to be easy to put them on show. Some are raised that way, but I feel bad for the domestic ones. It must suck for them to be pulled out of their natural habitat.
ReplyDeletefeel bad for the wild ones*
DeleteI have never been to a circus that features animals and this makes me not want to go to them at all. I think it is very wrong to treat animals this way and take them away from their natural lives. I never thought about the shows and what they had to do in order to make the animals do what they wanted in them. It never occurred to me that they would have to be so forceful and mean to the animals.
ReplyDeleteI have never been to the circus before and when I had my daughter I always thought about taking her but after watching that im not. There is no reason why a human should be that forceful to animals . I believe its dangerous and that could be reason why some animals are not tolerant of us because of the mistreatment caused against them.
ReplyDeleteAshanti F SCC
Its no wonder sometime these animals attack their owners. After being repeatedly beaten for years how would you feel?
DeleteIve once been to a circus when I was very young. Always thought circus was cool. Not after seeing this, its rather disgusting actually. Animals that are in the in wild belong in the wild, even if they are raised outside of the wild its still in them to be wild. Beating animals just to entertain people is horrible. When these animals retaliate we want to blame the animals but it really isn't their fault AT ALL.
ReplyDeleteEdward V SCC
I can't believe that they treat these animals this way.. Its such a shame.
Deletethis may be the mean way to say it but this is to the people that are hurting the animals. when you go home how can you sleep eat or even live with yourself don't ever feel even a little bit of guilt. what if you were the animal that was being harmed. did you think that the animal wanted to be where you put them at. the worst part is that most of those animals are being taken from the wild. what if someday someone broke into your house and took you from your family too top it off you are being hit and hurt for the sake of other peoples entertainment
ReplyDeleteI agree. Unfortunately, people who are demented enough to think it's acceptable to treat animals like this probably aren't going to look at it like you and I. Richelle L SCC
DeleteAlzahraa Hassona
DeleteAccording to my religion Islam,we should treat animals in a very good way,and if not you are going to get punishment from God.
I think this is fair because animals have their own rights.
i have never been to a circus. and i don't think i will be willing to go to one. i don't see the reason why people go to events like this. watching an animal been used for harmful sports is not something i would like to watch. neither is it fun for other people to watch. I think the people that are in charge of this act be treated the same way.
ReplyDeleteGifty Botchway
scc
Wow, it is crazy to think that this abuse takes place at a circus such as Ring Ling. I don't understand why people find it necessary to abuse these animals, there must be another way to train them rather than through abuse. This is sickening and despicable. Ring Ling and other circuses that treat their animals in this manner should be ashamed and in my opinion, need to be punished by the government. Gabrielle P
ReplyDeleteI agree! There are other ways to train animals than by torture.
DeleteDid you hear the poor elephant cry after being struck in the face repeatedly? Heart breaking! I'm honestly shocked that so much violence is involved with training these beautiful animals. You can see the sadness in the elephants eyes!
ReplyDeleteEmily Gardiner
This literally made me cry. I don't think these people even have a soul. Anything for the almighty dollar! So sad! I never have and never will go to a circus.
DeleteI couldn't bring myself to watch all the videos, and after reading this I don't want to at all. I now know why when the circus comes to town there's usually people near by protesting the circus. It never really sank in why they would care so much until now!
DeleteHow are these people not in jail?
DeleteI was just wondering the same thing. How can people be so cruel and have no consequences.
DeleteAs a child I went to the circus a few times, the last time, we got 'back stage' tickets. They let us walk around by ourselves, (no sure why) and unfortunately, we witnessed some of the treatment of the animals, specifically the elephants when they were trying to load them into the trailers. all you heard was the crack of the whip, my family was horrified and we left very quickly. We actually wrote a note to the circus, telling them how sad we were at what we had seen. Who knows if they ever got it; we never received a response.
ReplyDeleteI can't believe that they didn't even try to hide the fact that they whip the elephants! That's scary because if they are willing to show that to fans then what are they not willing to show!
DeleteMy thoughts exactly Ashley, If they are willing to show on tape such extreme physical and mental abuse on camera, imagine what they are doing behind the scenes. Scary.
DeleteWow!! The world we live in is scary. They have probably been mistreating these poor animals for so long that it's normal to them. It's horrifying to think if they are willing to treat these animals with so little respect in front of people what kind of abuse they're enduring behind doors. R LaFage SCC
DeleteHow very sad, I certainly won't be taking the kids to the circus. We actually have never been to the circus, just the thought of how they probably are trained to preform made me think that it probably wasn't in their best interests. -Lmcconnell scc 6/26
ReplyDeleteI'm shocked, I would think the relationship between a trainer and an animal would be a close one; A relationship built on trust and respect, not abuse. The way these poor animals are treated in sickening. I'm sure there are plenty of equally effective ways to train animals to do the same tricks without harming them. Richelle L SCC
ReplyDeleteIt is sickening that those poor elephants are being treated like that just for entertainment value. Torturing something to get what you want is just wrong and inhumane.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree. These poor animals are being tortured for our entertainment.....Sad, and it makes me want to boycott the circus.
ReplyDeleteKamisha Martins
I completely agree! These poor animals are being tortured for our entertainment. Sad.....makes me want to boycott the circus
ReplyDeleteKamisha Martins
Wow this is so sad! Poor animals.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a shame!!!! Why do people treat and torture animals. This makes me so angry!!!
ReplyDeleteThis is horrible. The fact that animals are being tortured and beaten for human entertainment is disgusting. This should stop. People are mammamls just like the elaphents in the zoo. If we stand and ask for equal right then maybe other mammals should have rights as well. It about time someone takes a stand for those who cant stand up for themselves.
ReplyDeleteNathan Mills
There are things that people make animals do which are not in their scope. People think about anything and they want the animals to do it so as to make people happy. I strongly feel that these animals undergo torture for a long time and people call it training. These people should think of a different way to make money other than circus or generally using innocent animals.
ReplyDeletePeople do anything to make money. I don't think I want to go the circus and support this mess.
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ReplyDeleteI never knew what they did to train theses animals for circus shows, this is extremely sad & heartbreaking. Tanaya M
ReplyDeleteI never understood why people treat animals so curl. Watching those videos were hard. I have been to a circus before but i had no idea that they did that to the animals. I agree the animals are being tortured for the publics entertainment and basically the society is paying for this mess.
ReplyDeleteWhy? Why do they have to suffer and be treated so cruel. This is so awful and unethical. All this for our entertainment? I'd rather they just leave the animals out of the circus.
ReplyDeleteIt is very sad to see the extremes people will go to in order to make money. This is unethical beyond beliefs. Treating animals this way is not the answer. Training them to do all that they can is what you should hope to do. If this was a child, your child, would you want them treated like this? No. You train them and give them all the qualities that you can for them to come out on top, however due to specific circumstances, some happen to do better than others. If you want an animal to perform in a circus, then they should be trained with love and high hopes that they will give it their best.
ReplyDeleteI could not stomach watching the videos, but this kind of treatment is extremely nauseating not to mention unethical! I have been to the circus once, when I was a child, and will never go back. I don't understand why or how people can treat animals like this. Every person and animal deserves fair and proper treatment.
ReplyDeleteI could not finish watching the video. I was so angry at how they treated these beautiful and smart animals. It is so upsetting it brought me to tears to know that these beautiful creatures were being struck in the head with these bull hooks! How would those trainers like to be hit in the head with bull hooks just because the elephants were just standing there? It wasn't like they were having an issue. This disgusts me to know these animals don't have the freedom they need to live life on a daily basis. I really hate circus' because of the treatment they give these defenseless animals.
ReplyDeleteI am disturbed by the amount of abuse that these people did to these animals that I could not watch the rest of the video. I really wanted to reach through my screen and whip these people with whips and see if they liked it. I have two dogs and could not imagine ever doing this to either of them. It's just horrible.
ReplyDeleteAndrea, I was feeling the same way. How would they like to be whipped and hooked? I have a dog and thought that the same thing. It's terrible!
DeleteThirty years ago a co-worker had asked if I would like to have 6 month Eskimo Spitz. He explained the current owner was a circus dog trainer and this particular Spitz was not working out to be show material. I happily accepted and ended up with a beautiful young house pet. He was well behaved and surely let us know when someone was approaching our home. The neat trick he would do was stand on his hind legs while spinning around to accept a treat put before his nose. He also had a peculiar habit of running around in circles, using all fours, when excited about something. When laying down, asleep, he would often suddenly jump up and yelp if someone was walking by close to his back as if his tail was stepped on, but wasn't. My veterinarian said he displayed actions of being neurotic. Now I know why.
DeleteThe dreadful violence conducted by the trainers toward the helpless fearful animals is disgusting. I can not believe and organization such as Ringling Brothers, would allow such barbaric behavior from their staff towards their animals that make them a success. I can not believe Ringling Bros has not put a stop to the mistreatment of animals.
ReplyDeleteThe dreadful violence conducted by the trainers toward the helpless fearful animals is disgusting. I can not believe and organization such as Ringling Brothers, would allow such barbaric behavior from their staff towards their animals that make them a success. I can not believe Ringling Bros has not put a stop to the mistreatment of animals.
ReplyDeleteThis is horrifying. Not only should the owners be held responsible, but also every employee that is willing to participate in the abuse. On this video, none of these men seemed phased by what their "job" is at that moment. You can even see how the one guy is considerably worse than his colleagues, hitting the elephants right in the face. I have never been to the circus, because even when I was younger, my mother did not believe in going. I will never ever be attending one in the future.
ReplyDeleteMollee, the trainers seemed angry and even looked mean! I have been to a Circus before but never imagined this was taking place.
DeleteI couldn't look at the videos, I can only imagine what's in them. I never liked the circus, never took my kids either. I always knew there's no way these animal can do all those tricks without being abused. More needs to be done to protect these poor animals. So very sad ;( C. Hayes SCC
ReplyDeleteThese videos were very horrifying. It's a shame for people to abuse animals for their own and others entertainment. If everyone knew about this kind of torture events like the circus would be shut down. Families take their kids to the circus for a fun interesting day to spend time together, if they knew the acts that took place for the animals to be able to do these tricks, families would never participate in that. I think that action should take place with this abuse so it can be put to a stop. Poor innocent animals should not have to take this abuse, they should be loved and cared for.
ReplyDelete-J. Keen
Jordan I agree. Families attend Circuses not knowing that animal cruelty is taking place for their entertainment. I keep replaying the scene in my mind and it disturbs me.
DeleteStuff like this makes me so upset. People shouldn't be allowed to do things like this to animals. Animals are just like people and you wouldn't do things like this to people, so why do they think it's okay for it to be done to animals?
ReplyDeleteIts so sad that these animals are treated this way. The circus has always been known to provide entertainment to families and was a great family value. After watching the video, I will let friends and family know of what I have seen. Animals do not have any way of telling us how they are being treated or that they are suffering. I think more stricter fines for this needs to instituted. S.Martin
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a circus before and I don't think I will. Its bad enough that these elephants have to put on shows everyday instead of living their livesin a wide open safari and then to make it worse they're stabing them with hooks and beating them with sticks? It's insain.
ReplyDeleteI have been to the circus about 3 times and i can tell you i will no longer do so. i never figured the fact of how intense the "training" was, i figured it as simple as training a dog nothing like this.
ReplyDeleteTeresa Walker Oct. 17, 2013 at 12:04pm
ReplyDeleteI did not like watching the trainer beat on the elephants. The Trainers appeared angry. Who was recording the video? I am curious if it was a Ringling Bros employee and maybe wanting to expose the cruel acts. I always assumed the trainers and animals had good relationships and that's how they trained them to perform. I feel differently about going to any circus. This was very sad to watch.
I have to admit that I have enjoyed the circus in the past and although I realized that the animals would be better off in the wild I was able to reconcile the fact that they had lost their freedom but in so doing helped people to connect with them and learn to love them and to care about their species. Through this I realize that the trade off is not acceptable, and that cruelty in the name of training is still just cruelty. I will never buy another circus ticket.
ReplyDeleteErykah Walker
ReplyDeleteI did not like watching the video. I only watched half of it. This is news to me. I didn't know the animals are treated like this. Something is wrong with these people that would do that to these animals. I didn't see the elephants doing anything wrong for them to treat them like that. Animal cruelty is not right.
This is so disturbing.. I don't know how anyone could do this to animals.. especially elephants! There is no reason what so ever for anything like this to happen.. ive never been to a circus but if this is how they are training them.. I don't think I ever want to go.. no way will I support that! so sad! - Brandi D
ReplyDeleteAlzahraa Hassona
DeleteI think that those people have no feeling,and the don't know the meaning of pain and suffering.
This is beyond sad. I could barely hold myself back from crying after watching 40 seconds of this. I will definitely not attend ANY animal circus'. The people harming animals should be treated how they are treating the animals.
ReplyDeleteI could not watch the video. I have heard about the treatment these poor animals go through. Its no wonder some of these circus animals trample and kill their trainers. This is just too much! These people should be severly punished.
ReplyDeleteI have been to a circus with my daughter, and I could see how sad these animals were. My daughter wanted to ride an elephant and I tries to talk her out of if, but my mother insisted. I put myself in all these animals shoes and know they are abused to get them to dance and play for the crowd. It was the first and last circus I would be at. I cannot advocate animals being abused for my entertainment.
ReplyDeleteAnimals shouldn't go through this. I cannot somebody doing this to my dog. This is cruel and i think testing animals needs to stop.
ReplyDelete- Vadil L.
Alzahraa Hassona
DeleteI agree with you,animals shouldn't go through that pain some people even think that animals don't have feeling,so they just harm them.To me I consider that a crime!!
The Ringling Circus definitely has a long history of animal abuse. When they came to Spokane 5 years ago, several protesters were arrested for chaining themselves to the gates to hand out flyers and beg people to not support animal cruelty. Circus's are one of the many forms of entertainment founded on the abuse of animals. The only true way to stop it is to not feed into the nostalgic industry with our funding.
ReplyDeleteI have never seen anything like this. the circus is marketed as such a family event where you can go to see exotic animals and see the skills they have naturally. I honestly did not know that so much of it was coached behaviors. since when did senseless torture become a way of training animals when you clearly hear them react with grunts of pain? Pain and discipline are two very different things. Trainers can discipline and coach animals without inflicting pain.
ReplyDeleteWhen I took my children years ago to the circus when it came to Philadelphia, I was so happy to be able to provide them with an experience I did not have as a child. Now I can see I hadn't actually missed out on anything as a child. It is cruelty to animals to subject them to pain for any reason. To do so for the sake of entertainment is downright evil. To see these magnificent beasts trapped in a situation where man, who is supposed to have the highest intelligence, is permitted to hurt them is ugly. For this practice to go on for the sake of earning profits is unethical. The public is being falsely led to believe this is all in fun. What enjoyment are the animals being exposed to?
ReplyDeleteI couldn't watch the video it was just sad. I never been to a circus before, but after watching just a few seconds of the video made me uncomfortable. I don't think I want to go to a cirus now.
ReplyDeleteI'm absolutely floored at this behavior. After watching this video it made me feel sick to my stomach. This is how animals are "trained" and treated? Awful! When I went to the circus as a child I was so excited to see the animals and now that I have a child I looked forward to sharing that same exciting experience with him but I will not feel the same about the circus anymore. I don't think I'd ever pay money to watch animals that are beaten for no reason and whipped in their face and ears by terrible trainers. This behavior witnessed was just ludicrous and absolutely uncalled for.
ReplyDeleteSamantha Taylor
ReplyDeleteI would have never thought circus people would treat their anmials the way they did. I cant believe it and its really upsetting to know this, I dont think i will be going to a cicrus anytime soon!
This post has definitely changed my view on the circus. I doubt that I will take my daughter and support this cruel treatment to the helpless animals.
DeleteLauren G.
I never knew that animals were treated so badly just for entertainment. They get whipped and caged up to look like idiots for their trainers very cruel. The circus should not be allowed to go on anymore!!
ReplyDeleteI would have never guessed the circus animals were treated so horribly. I couldn't bring myself to watch the whole video because it is just so sad. After seeing what I did see, and the way they beat the animals I will not being going to a circus anytime soon.
ReplyDeleteIt is a wonder that the circus is still around with the way that they are treating these animals. When I watched the video I was sickened by how they were treated. The animals can't control the way that they are treated. It isn't fair to them they are helpless. I am happy to say that I have never been to the circus and nor will I ever be with that being said!
ReplyDeleteUnbelievable the circus is still circuiting in the US. This should be banned in this country
ReplyDeleteDEBBIED
It is horrifying to learn the pain elephants are enduring at the expense for peoples’ entertainment. The poor elephants spend much of their lives cramped and filthy boxcars and trailers and kept tightly chained by their legs, and helpless elephants are routinely abused and violently beaten with bullhooks in order to force them to perform tricks. It’s terrible and needs to be stopped!
ReplyDeleteIt is unbelievable how people treat these elephants being that we think the circus is something fun and good to go to but is only making it worst for the animals as we pay money to see the Ringling Brothers Circus to watch them perform.
ReplyDeleteKendall L.
It is unbelievable how people treat these elephants being that we think the circus is something fun and good to go to but is only making it worst for the animals as we pay money to see the Ringling Brothers Circus to watch them perform.
ReplyDeleteI have not attended a circus since I was a little girl, but I have fond memories about the acrobats, clowns, food, and of course the animals. But reading this post made me feel horrible because some of the animals I enjoyed watching perform were most likely being abused. It is terrible for animals to be taken out of their natural environment simply for our entertainment. It's even worse that they're forced to submit to pain. There needs to be regulations for animals in the circus and rules that they must be trained using rewards rather than punishment, as many zoo's do for their animal shows. It's just sickening when people use animals as objects and not living creatures.
ReplyDeleteKira H.
This post was one of the ones that affected me the most, researching for class. To think that something geared towards children that is so full of fun, life, and excitement could be so horrifying behind the scenes is really scary to think about. It makes you wonder what else you're missing out on behind the scenes. You would think that with all the money the circus generates, they could afford bigger cages or more humane ways to train the animals. Just like with testing cosmetics on animals so we can be 'pretty,' these poor elephants are abused all for the sake of entertainment. I don't know about you, but I'll find my entertainment somewhere else.
ReplyDeleteCory Mullica SCC
I was unaware that this was what was happening behind the scenes of the circuses. I have always thought of circuses to be fun and exciting events, however, after viewing the abuse these animals must go through for people to enjoy the show has given me a whole new look on things. These animals should not have to be put through such torture purely for our entertainment.
ReplyDeleteDana M.
Its terrible what animals are put through for human entertainment. Of course we all think animals are trained to do such things, just like any pet dog or cat. But abusing these animals, beating them, whipping them to train them or sometimes just because is just wrong. Besides the fact that we are all blind to how they do this. Animals weren't created to be put in a circus or a zoo at that. The circus should be banned.
ReplyDeleteChristina K
No animal should be put through torture just for the entertainment and the money. I know everyone likes the zoo's and likes the circus's but they do not have to put those animals through the beating and the abuse just for the entertainment. These people are blind to the fact that these animals are not for show they are living things that belong to live there life how they want to. No animal should be held in captivity or in cages just to be abused and put a little bit bigger cage. It's just not fair to these animals and personally I definitely agree on these entertainment places to be banned. -Nevada Hornbeck-
ReplyDeleteS. Evans - This is just crazy. I loved going to the circus when I was younger and in fact was the place I took my now wife on our first date (she loved the circus as well). I can't imagine even thinking about supporting this culture now. No animal should endure that type of treatment just to make humans go "ohhhh, ahhhaa!" Why these trainers feel the need to belittle the animals and whip them is beyond me. I was hoping towards the end of the video that one of the Elephants would just crush a trainer. Gruesome I know, but how much abuse would we be able to take if we were in the elephants shoes?
ReplyDeleteThis post has completely changed my view on the circus as a whole. I have taken my niece and nephew to the circus and to think that this type of cruelty was happening behind the scenes makes me cringe inside. I automatically think about how much money the circus generates each year, and how that money could be used to make the life better for these animals. It makes me think about where my money is going, because it obviously is not going towards the health and happiness of its animals. No animal should be subjected to this type of inhumane conditions and torture solely for the entertainment of humans.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteWow, this is horrible, I never knew this type of cruelty was happening to circus animals! I couldn't get myself to look at all the links because it literally made me want to cry. I love animals, and seeing these elephants getting whipped in the face, ears, and all over their body behind the scene is awful. I haven't been to a circus since I was young, however, after seeing this post I'm not sure if I will ever attend one again because I feel so bad for the animals now. Innocent animals should NOT be put through this pain. Circuses are supposed to be a thrilling, enjoyable performances... but if more people were aware of this, they probably wouldn't attend a circus ever again.
ReplyDeleteI never imagined that this is how animals in the circus were treated! I can't believe they would do this just to have animals do what they want for personal entertainment. I think this should be known worldwide to put an end to circus's though many kids love it, no animals deserve to be treated like that.
ReplyDeleteI am very surprised and upset about how the animals are treated at the Ringling Brothers circus. Just a few weeks ago this particular circus company were in town and I was disappointed that I was not able to take my son. But now that I know the truth on how the circus treats their animals I am glad I did not take him. I never imagined that the animals were treated in such a disrespectful way.
ReplyDeleteThis is not the first time that I have heard about this, when it comes to the abuse of animals at a circus, the shocking part is to the extent and severity that it goes. This kind of treatment is the reason why the animals turn on there trainers, but the news NEVER reports that when it happens. Its always, the animal just went crazy, well yea you would too if you got beat, prodded, poked, and shocked and beaten all the time, there is a breaking point for ALL living things.
ReplyDeleteGene H. SCC
DebbieD. it is appalling what happens to these animals behind the curtain. I do not understood why wild animals, held in captivity, and being used for human entertainment is still an acceptable practice in any part of the world. We have heard and seen the cruelty that comes to to these animals yet we have no legislation banning this. The circus will still be very entertaining if tigers don't jump threw hoops or elephants stand on their hind legs. Research has shown these poor animals lash out due to depress, lack of freedom, and confinement.
ReplyDeleteDebbieD. it is appalling what happens to these animals behind the curtain. I do not understood why wild animals, held in captivity, and being used for human entertainment is still an acceptable practice in any part of the world. We have heard and seen the cruelty that comes to to these animals yet we have no legislation banning this. The circus will still be very entertaining if tigers don't jump threw hoops or elephants stand on their hind legs. Research has shown these poor animals lash out due to depress, lack of freedom, and confinement.
ReplyDeleteI have never been a believer of any animals being kept in captivity especially wild animals. I feel like people don't sit back and think about how these animals must feel to be hurt and beaten. It makes me so sad that animals cannot speak up for themselves, some look to us to be their voice but yet there is stuff like this going on for our pleasure.
ReplyDeleteJaleesa Colon, SCC
Some of those videos were absolutely heartbreaking to watch. Those poor circus animals were being beaten for no reason. I don't believe wild animals should be kept in cages and punished just for the entertainment of humans. How would we like it if it was the other way around? These animals don't deserve this torture.
ReplyDeleteMeghan Dineen
Growing up I went to plenty of circuses and always wanted to ride the elephants. I though about how fun it must be to work for one, but for any animals sake my mind has definitely changed. For the sake of entertainment no less. It really sad that people lack this knowledge...not because it is hid, but possibly knowing and not caring.
ReplyDeletePam F SCC
Emmily H. It truly amazes me to see what people will do just to make money. It is so sad to see such a gentle animals being treated in such a cruel way. I have always believed that these animals belong in the wild not held captive. This is why you always hear stories about people getting killed or injured from them. They weren't meant to be pets
ReplyDeleteIt is great to see that Ringling was punished in 2011 for their animal cruelty, but obviously it wasn't enough to stop them from continuing this process. More needs to be done to raise awareness of what is going on behind the big top. I know that I will be informing my family members of the abuse and making sure that they do not attend the circuses that frequent our area.
ReplyDelete-Caitlyn Perry SCC
It doesn't surprise me that circus animals sometimes snap and attack a trainer. Just knowing what happens to these animals makes me sick!
ReplyDeleteAlzahraa Hassona
ReplyDeleteWhen I saw the video and how they keep hitting the elephants,I just felt so sorry about these animals to the point that I hoped that this huge elephant could kill this bad guy!
It is very sad to see the mistreatment these innocent animals receive in the name of entertainment and money.
ReplyDeleteD. Gearhart
These videos were horrifying. It's a shame that people abuse animals for their own and also others entertainment. If everyone knew about this kind of torture events like the circus would be shut down. Families take their kids to the circus for a fun interesting day to spend time together, if they knew the acts that took place for the animals to be able to do these tricks, families would never participate in that. I think that action should take place with this abuse so it can be put to a stop. Poor innocent animals should not have to take this abuse, they should be taken care with love and care!
ReplyDelete-J. Keen
These videos were horrifying. It's a shame that people abuse animals for their own and also others entertainment. If everyone knew about this kind of torture events like the circus would be shut down. Families take their kids to the circus for a fun interesting day to spend time together, if they knew the acts that took place for the animals to be able to do these tricks, families would never participate in that. I think that action should take place with this abuse so it can be put to a stop. Poor innocent animals should not have to take this abuse, they should be taken care with love and care!
ReplyDelete-J. Keen
It's awful how badly these animals are treated for others enjoyment and entertainment. They didn't do anything wrong to deserve this type of treatment. When I visited Thailand I went to an elephant show and they are such amazing creatures. I even got to pet one. I would never imagine this torture is how the circus gets them to do their tricks. It's heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteLauren G.
I did actually have a feeling that the circus was not the kindest to animals but I never would have thought that they would get beat. I understand that they do need to do some things to make the animals do their tricks but violence is not the answer. If the animal doesn't want to do it why should they have to?
ReplyDeleteCourtney R.
So sad how these animals are abused so horribly from the time they're babies for their entire lives. I'm sure it would take a lot more time but there must be other ways to train animals. How about try using positive reinforcement??? There is no excuse for this.
ReplyDeleteJennifer B
This is absolutely terrible. It is bad enough (and unacceptable) that they are beaten for no reason as adults but to be bound and abused as babies is disgusting. What makes it worse is that elephants and many other animals are and have been trained using positive methods.
ReplyDeleteIt is so terrible how they treat the animals for things like this. It is only about the money anymore and how much they make from it. People are willing to do anything to sell another ticket. It is rather rude.
ReplyDeleteKelsey S.
I never was a big fan of circuses when I was a little kid and this article made me dislike it even more. Its disgusting the way they train animals to do tricks when their is so many positive ways to reinforce a trick to animals.
ReplyDelete-Jamae P
DeleteBrenda
ReplyDeleteWhen my daughter was little I thought it would be fun to take her to the circus. The animals looked like they were well behaved and properly trained. I never would have imagined the horrible abuse that takes place behind the curtains. I feel so awful for these animals that have to live the rest of theirs lives being tortured.
I went to a circus in Las Vegas when I was young. It is very entertaining especially for a child since they do not know any better. I find that we do not usually think about what happens behind the curtains.
DeleteKelsey Stockton
My family and I have been to the circus. I definitely think that training animals to perform to the extremes that they perform HAS to be inhumane. The things those animals do is a testament to their intelligence and they are glorious creatures. Although we delighted in what we saw, we also felt sorry for the animals. We are just as delighted (if not more) to see these animals in their natural habitat. They are beautiful creations and it makes me sad to think of them being mistreated.
ReplyDeleteIt is unnatural for elephants to put in the circus in the first place, but to abuse them while keeping them in unsafe places is horrible. Elephants should be put in their natural habitats, not in the circus.
ReplyDeleteI do not think it Is so much unnatural for elephants to be in the circus. Because there are a lot of different kind of animals in the circus besides elephants. But it is definitely terrible what is happening to these poor animals while being trained to entertained us the humans.
DeleteIt is wrong how animals get treated just to make money! Ultimately that is the cause of humans treating circus animals like that.
ReplyDeleteThe video was terrible. I feel so bad for those poor elephants. And yes I do understand why some animals attack there trainers and owners because they are being abused. Natia Palmer
DeleteI've always had a feeling that animals in the circus are not treated fairly. The animals are simply there to bring in money. However, after seeing some of those videos, it really is shocking. The lives these animals endure is terrible to think about. There are ways to train an animal without abuse.
ReplyDeleteThis is just horrible! The way that these elephants are treated is just wrong. If the shoe was on the other foot, I know the trainers and circus workers would want to be treated this way. So why should they feel that it is acceptable to treat animals this way, but yet still these circus's still exist. It makes me think that if we know how bad the animals are treated and still let it happen, then they outsiders do not really care about the animals.
ReplyDeleteIngrid S
ReplyDeleteThis is heart breaking. I can not imagine. This is ridiculous. Wow is all I can say. I never been to a circus before, and after seeing this, don't think I ever will. Poor creatures. This should be a sin.
I couldn't watch the video it was just sad. I never been to a circus before, but after watching just a few seconds of the video made me uncomfortable. I don't think I want to go to a cirus now.
ReplyDeleteLakia A
This is so sad. These animals are meant to be wild and instead they are being abused for humans own entertainment and profit. These animals are getting nothing in return for their training, besides pain and abuse.
ReplyDeleteTaylor W.
These videos are so sad to watch. They are using these animals just to make money, instead they should be treated differently because they are there to entertain people. Do they have to be treated like this? Or is it the wicked human heart that is telling them to be so hateful. These animals need to be treated with love since their goal is to make people happy.
ReplyDeleteClaudette D.
It is really heart breaking to see these animals treated as if they are innate or they have no pain , fear or emotion. Majority of consumers do not know what goes on behind the scenes and I use to be one. please keep the education and awareness campaign going .
ReplyDeleteE Fellah SCC
These videos almost made me cry, I have only been to one circus in my life. My wife and I refuse to take our children to a circus because the way the animals are treated. It also should bring attention to places such as Medieval times, do they treat their horses the same way? This is unacceptable and anyone that supports a circus should look into the fact before attending. The only thing i found amusing about a circus was the clowns, and even at that it wasn't that great!
ReplyDeleteChris K
Rebecca S.
ReplyDeleteI didn't understand why my father wouldn't take me to the circus, and as I grew older he finally revealed the cruelty that they treat the poor animals just to entertain us. I will never participate in giving them money, for I do not support them.
It is so sad to know that the elephants are being treated this way just to entertain us. The circus is suppose to be a happy fun time for children. This makes me sick to know that they are torturing these animals in the process.
ReplyDeleteMortiz
DeleteI've always taken my son to the circus and never thought they treat the elephants the way they do. After seeing what I saw, we'll have to find another activity when the circus comes to town. It's a shame the lengths some will go to just to make a dollar....
ReplyDeleteDS
Animals should not have to suffer and be harmed especially not for a circus. They are not even worth it. When I was younger, I use to go to circuses with my family but I never seemed to be one of my favorite types of entertainment because just by watching the different acts, I thought of it as animal cruelty. How they whip the animals to behave and do the tricks is disturbing and I don't feel as though any animal should have to go through the cruelty that they are put through.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid, I had always loved going to circus'. I thought that many of the animals were just smart and liked to perform tricks. No one ever mentioned the brutal training that these elephants endured. It really broke my heart to see this. The sadness that looms over them is just horrible. I hope more people are aware of the conditions in which these animals are kept and the abuse that they endure.
DeleteKrystal M.
SCC
Imagine how the elephants are being treated by those people. They tied them up and electro shocked them as well. This is not right! l could not even finish looking at the pictures. Some people are just heartless and l don't think l will ever visit the circus for anything. This is just too much for me. Adefunke L.
ReplyDeleteAs a kid, I had always loved going to circus'. I thought that many of the animals were just smart and liked to perform tricks. No one ever mentioned the brutal training that these elephants endured. It really broke my heart to see this. The sadness that looms over them is just horrible. I hope more people are aware of the conditions in which these animals are kept and the abuse that they endure.
ReplyDeleteKrystal M.
SCC
This video was so sad and heartbreaking! I would have never imagined the penalties and punishments these circus animals have to deal with. You can literally see the hurt and pain in the eyes of the elephants. This video really broke my heart and opened my eyes to the terrible training exercises that these poor innocent animals go through. There needs to be more awareness on these conditions and less support of animal circuses.
ReplyDeleteDesirae P.
This video was very disturbing I found it hard to watch. I always felt slighted as a child because I didn't get to go to a circus now I'm glad I didn't. No human nor animal should be treated like this. Do the trainers really need to be so abusive and how would they like it done to them. It's bad enough that they live in the conditions that they do but then to be abused on top of that it's just so cruel.
ReplyDeleteThis is disgusting! Why and how anyone can treat an animal so cruelly is shameful! No more adventures to the circus for me! Irene G.
ReplyDeleteI didn't watch the video but I looked over some of the blog responses and this is like a no brainer to me. You take animals out of their natural environment and you train them to do tricks for money. That, of an in itself is cruel. That they are abused to teach them tricks is even more cruel but what do people think? Circus animals are kept in cages and chained. Doesn't everyone see that as cruel? I think that it is awful and I am not a fan of the circus or the zoo.
ReplyDeleteI do not plan on going to a circus anytime soon and I have promised myself that since I have seen information like this a couple years ago. It is sickening to me how animals are treated and I do not plan to pay people that treat animals that way.They will not be getting my money or my support for such behavior.
ReplyDeleteJessica S.
SCC
I am sickened by the brutality by us human beings for our own personal amusement. I once enjoyed going to the circus when I was younger, under the impression that the animals liked what they were asked to do. Never in my worst nightmares did I think that it was an inhumane life for them. I wish my parents had never given them the money to continue. These animals are beautiful creatures and deserve to be free, not locked in a cage.
ReplyDeleteSavannah M.
This is such a disgrace. I will never take my kids to the circus ever again. Knowing what happens behind the scene has given me a new outlook. During the video of the Ringling Brothers those poor elephants were doing what has asked. How can you hit an animal and treat them like that when they are doing nothing wrong? Those men should be put to trial for animal cruelty.
ReplyDeleteKristal J
I went to my first circus last December to see the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey show. I was amazed by the acts and I loved it. But now after viewing these photos and reading the websites, I am disgusted by how they treat the baby elephants. I am ashamed that I enjoyed the show now that I know how they beaten and abused the poor animals just for pure entertainment. I will definitely never go to another circus again. The Ringling Bros. need to be shut down!
ReplyDeleteAshlee M.