COMMENTARY | “We can judge the heart of a man by his treatment of animals.” – Emmanuel Kant
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has been accused by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) of numerous animal welfare violations. Its parent company, Field Entertainment, has agreed to pay a record fine of $270,000 for the infractions that occurred from June 2007 until August 2011. As part of the agreement, Ringling Bros. Circus is not obligated to admit to specific violations of animal cruelty. If they did, “The Greatest Show on Earth” would risk losing a public already sensitive to the treatment of animals, especially those kept in captivity for entertainment purposes.
The bigger issue surrounds why Ringling Bros. Circus receives a free pass on animal abuse.
Frankly, I don’t believe you need PETA or Bob Barker to realize the circus is a sickening and barbaric existence for these creatures. Unlike farm animals which are raised for food or dairy production, these helpless “performers” are displayed and paraded purely for their entertainment value. It’s a stressful, unnatural form of cruelty.
That fact is common sense.
While most of us wouldn’t consider exposing our children to sexual exploitation or intense levels of violence, it remains an American family tradition in many communities to attend the circus when in town. I wasn’t any different – as a small child I vividly remember traveling to Madison Square Garden to see the spectacle known as “The Greatest Show on Earth.”
Would I have enjoyed it as much if I knew the elephants learned their tricks by being struck with bull hooks and other abusive weapons?
Without a doubt, no, I wouldn’t have.
However, there is a very positive development signaling change. Rep. James Moran (D-VA) is seeking the passage of the Traveling Exotic Animal Protection Bill which would limit the use of exotic and non-domesticated animals in the circus. It may act as a catalyst to eliminate exploitation of elephants, tigers, and other animals used strictly for entertainment purposes.
Bravo to Rep. Moran for being courageous in this matter.
I am very proud of my 9-year old daughter. She loves animals and dreams of one day being a veterinarian. I hope she realizes her dream. When it comes to the circus, even at such an early age, she cringes when she realizes the lack of humanity circus animals endure. She has compassion.
Maybe one day we will all be moved and cringe at the thought of animal cruelty.