Circus cruelty is coming to town

Every September, the Shriners brings the circus to town. The circus serves as a fundraiser that helps to pay the group's administrative costs and charity work with children. Unfortunately, this compassionate cause is tainted by the lack of compassion regularly shown to animals forced to perform in these circuses. Well-documented abuse of circus animals exposes the need for the Shriners to abandon circus fundraisers, and for the general public to boycott all abusive animal entertainment.

Despite circus promoters' claims that animals are trained and transported in a humane manner, undercover examinations and former employees tell a different story. Forcing animals to perform ridiculous stunts that are completely contrary to their nature requires more than "positive reinforcement." Circus animals are regularly trained with bullhooks, electric prods, beatings, and whips until they exhibit the submissive behavior required to perform. Abusive training has been caught on video, and can be seen by searching the words "circus cruelty" on www.YouTube.com.

Unfortunately, the only legislation that protects circus animals is the woefully inadequate Animal Welfare Act, enforced by the USDA. This act requires only minimal standards of care and does not ban the abusive training techniques mentioned above. Despite limited USDA inspections, the Jordan World Circus (USDA #88-C-0062) that is being brought to Yuma by the Shriners has received citations for the following: inadequate veterinary care (many violations) filthy transport trailers, inadequate ventilation in animal enclosures, dirty and insufficient drinking water, improper diet, continuous confinement of animals in enclosures that did not allow them to stand or turn around, excessive sun exposure, and no emergency plans for animal attacks or escapes.

In 2006, the Jordan Circus visited Bozeman, MT, where animal control officers reported that "the animals were not being taken care of and some had injuries." The local fair board wrote the Jordan Circus about the problems witnessed and received what they believed to be a "form letter" blaming the problems on the company that supplies their animals. This board meeting not only exposes continuing problems with the Jordan World Circus and their treatment of animals, but also how they deflect blame from themselves by pointing the finger at animal suppliers. Contrary to popular belief, many circus animals are not brought up and trained within one circus; instead they are trained by a separate corporation and leased to low-budget circuses like the Jordan World Circus (which doesn't even have a website). Ultimately, the Jordan Circus never returned to Bozeman this year.

As more and more people become aware of the extensive animal abuse that permeates every facet of the circus, the demand for animal-free, humane entertainment will only increase. The tide is already starting to turn. Responding to the void in state and federal legislation, cities across the U.S., from Encinitas, CA, to Revere, MA, have begun banning circus performances with animals. Countries around the world, including Austria, Costa Rica, Finland, and Singapore, have also banned circuses. It's time for the people of Yuma to step forward and demand the same. There is no excuse for supporting inhumane entertainment.