Leave Animals Out Of Circuses Now!

Senator Ben Hueso begins by describing the cruelty experienced by animals as part of this unfair practice of using them for entertainment. He explains that animals are beaten and abused in order to force them into obedience and trainers make wild and exotic animals perform tricks. One example Ben shares are the use of bullhooks to beat elephants. Judie Mancuso of SCIL explains that we have repeatedly failed to protect animals that are used in circuses. She cites the negligent deaths of a lion, tiger, and an elephant that were all part of a California-based circus. Judie also points out that traveling circuses like The Garden Bros. Circus is still permitted to perform in California despite recorded incidents of abuse.

Senator Henry Stern explains that it is time to move past the barbaric practice of possessing animals and utilizing them for our entertainment. He specifically cites the use of electric light shows with animals that are forced to perform unnatural acts for the entertainment of circus goers. Stern says we should evolve and set a precedence in the State of California for the rest of the country. Judie explains after the successful hearing that animals are not ours for entertainment. She mentioned earlier in the hearing, the circus that stopped the use of animals in their acts, still have flourishing businesses. Jane explains that her mother was in the circus and she was forced to ride an elephant and it broke her heart. The victory in the hearing room this day will make leaps and strides for animals that are currently being held against their will and forced to perform for audients. It’s time to take the cruelty out of all forms of entertainment. Using unwilling participants in shows is not entertainment, it’s violence.

Circus representatives are invited on to respond at any time.

Photos courtesy of Jane Velez-Mitchell  and Lisa Karlan.