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.
Circus cruelty is coming to town
Topics
animal cruelty,
circuses
Victory: Yuman gets year in jail for animal cruelty
In what hopefully will be a precedent-setting case, Superior Court Judge Donato sentenced a woman to a year in prison for subjecting a pitbull puppy to a prolonged starvation diet. The case was heard last week and sentencing was handed down yesterday, Friday May 11th.
Top 3: Yuman gets year in jail for animal cruelty, dog, yuma, society - Yuma Sun
Granillo was arrested Feb. 1 on two Class 6 felony counts of cruel mistreatment, neglect and abandonment of an animal.
The Sun was unable to confirm by Friday afternoon the final charges in the case.
On Jan. 16, two people turned in the pit bull they found roaming a trailer park at 1947 S. Maple Ave. The owner resided in the park, and the dog had a history of roaming. A neighbor noticed the unhealthy nature of the animal and reported it to park management.
On Jan. 17, the humane society transported the dog to Desert Veterinary Clinic. The dog was found to weigh only 11 pounds - roughly 20 pounds less than it should have, according to a Humane Society of Yuma news release.
The clinic found the animal was severely malnourished, suffering a liver disorder, anemic and possibly frostbitten on its ears from being in the cold with no shelter. The clinic tried to help the dog regain its strength, but it was too weak to fight, according to the release.
HSOY: Pet cat shot repeatedly with pellet gun
On May 10, the Humane Society of Yuma issued the following press release.
On Saturday, May 5, 2007, a local resident at the 400 block of S. 22nd Avenue found his cat bloodied and disoriented. He immediately took the animal to a local vet where two pellets were found embedded in the cat’s face and spinal area. The cat is currently in critical condition and is still being treated.
The Humane Society of Yuma was contacted on Monday, May 7th to investigate the crime. As of now there are no leads, but if anyone can identify the suspect(s) responsible for this cruel act, there is a $100 reward for their identity and arrest. As the case is still being investigated, charges are pending until a suspect can be identified. If a suspect is identified, charges can range from misdemeanor to felony animal cruelty with the possibility of the suspect serving a jail sentence.
“The public needs to realize that causing harm to any animal is against the law and they can be prosecuted. We hope that the public will come forward with any information regarding this case and we want to make sure that the pets in this area remain out of harms way.”, states Elkie Wills, HSOY Community Relations Manager.
Yuma Sun : Connection seen between animal abuse, human violence
A very good article in the Yuma Sun on the presentation given by Director of Field Services for the HSUS, Arnold Baer was published on Wednesday.
Baer told The Sun that the Animal Defenders of Yuma brought him to speak at Arizona Western College Tuesday night to reach audiences of different professionals to stress the importance of paying attention to animal abuse and pooling resources to ensure kids hurting animals are given counseling, so they do not grow up to commit criminal violence against people.
Yuma Sun : Connection seen between animal abuse, human violence
Animal Defenders of Yuma now on Myspace!
Are you on Myspace? Help promote ADY by joining Animal Defenders of Yuma on Myspace!
http://groups.myspace.com/yumaanimals
Topics
internet advocacy,
Myspace
ADY joins 2007 "Make Mine Chocolate!" campaign for second year
The Make Mine Chocolate campaign to dissuade the "gifting" of live rabbits during the Easter season has been kicked off. ADY has joined the campaign.
From the Make Mine Chocolate! website:
Each year, unwanted, former Easter rabbits fill local rabbit rescues and humane societies. The goal of the “Make Mine Chocolate!™” campaign is to break the cycle of acquisition and relinquishment by educating the public about the responsibilities involved in keeping a companion rabbit before a rabbit is brought home.
Make Mine Chocolate!
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