Baby elephants are taken from their mothers and placed in a barn with concrete floors while all four of their legs are restrained. This torture lasts for up to 23 hours per day. During periods of training, the elephants are bound and forced to incur painful prods with a bullhook and electric shocks to the head. The babies are heard screaming as they struggle to get away from their violent handlers.
The cruelty under the big top has been well documented over the years. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has cited the circus for violations of the Animal Welfare Act including improper handling of animals, failure to provide proper veterinary care, unsanitary feeding routines, and other acts causing trauma, harm, discomfort, and endangerment of the stars of the show. Additionally the USDA has multiple open investigations regarding Ringling’s possible violations.
It is important to remember that attending any circus that uses animals supports heartbreaking suffering of innocent creatures. Follow me on Twitter
