Given all the controversy about the Ringling Bros. Circus, it’s puzzling your piece (“Ringling Bros. circus coming to Kent Sept. 25-28”, online, Kent Reporter) mentioned not a word about it. This outfit has a long, notorious, and well-documented history of cruelty to animals.
In addition to the record $270,000 fine Ringling paid to settle violations of federal law, Ringling has been cited repeatedly by federal authorities for failing to provide veterinary care, causing trauma and physical harm, unsafe handling of dangerous animals, and failure to provide adequate care in transit.
A former Ringling staffer gave a chilling eyewitness account of baby elephants being ripped from their mothers, tied up with ropes, and beaten until they give up all hope. Elephants spend most of their lives in chains and live in fear of getting smacked with bullhooks-heavy batons with a sharp steel hook on the end. Tigers are whipped into submission.
Readers can review www.RinglingBeatsAnimals.com and judge for themselves. Please remember that every ticket purchased directly contributes to the miserable lives of the animals.
– Jennifer O’Connor, PETA Foundation
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