by David Thompson
Tuesday, Sep. 02, 2014 at 4:49 PM
lori.dewaal@dewaalpr.com
A protest will be held at Ringling Circus in Bakersfield to call for the end of animal suffering in circuses
Animal Defenders International (ADI) is calling on the local community to stay away from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus and avoid supporting an industry that involves cruelty and suffering to animals.
Studies of the use of wild animals in traveling circuses show that circuses cannot meet the physical or behavioral needs of wild animals. Animals are confined in small spaces, deprived of physical and social needs, spending excessive amounts of time shut in transporters. These animals are often seen behaving abnormally; rocking, swaying and pacing, all indicating that they are in distress and not coping with their environment. ADI’s video evidence has shown how these animals are forced to perform tricks through physical violence, fear and intimidation.
“Keeping wild animals like lions, tigers, bears and elephants chained and shut in small spaces, then beating them to perform tricks for human entertainment shames us all,” said Matt Rossell, ADI Campaigns Director.
ADI is calling on supporters to warn audiences of the behind-the-scenes suffering of animals in traveling circuses when Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus comes to Bakersfield, California on September 4, 2014. Additional protests are planned throughout the weekend.
WHAT: Ringling Circus Protest
WHEN: Thursday, September 4, 5:30pm-7:00pm
WHERE: Rabobank Arena 1001 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield, 93301
Local campaigners will be handing out leaflets and informing audiences about the suffering and telling people that the animal circus is no longer acceptable in a modern, advanced society. Circus owners are urged to leave animals out of future productions.
Stephanie Esla, local ADI representative said, “When families find out about the routine abuses that go on behind the scenes at circuses, they will be shocked and will not want to expose their children to this cruelty.”
ADI is also educating the community with six new billboards that went up last month around Bakersfield. The bold message “Stop Circus Suffering” appears with three images from ADI’s investigations of a circus lion and tiger in tiny, barren cages and an elephant being viciously struck with a bullhook. (Billboard locations for photo op available upon request.)
ADI’s billboards were made possible by the generous donation of a young supporter, Sean Esla, who used his childhood savings to pay for the billboards at various Bakersfield locations throughout the month of August, showing residents the abuse that circus animals suffer.
Sean Esla: “I know there are lots of kids like me who love elephants, lions, and tigers, but they just don’t know how badly they are treated at the circus. I hope when they see these pictures, they will want to learn more and help the animals by going to animal free circuses.”