There will be a protest tomorrow through Sunday starting at 6 p.m. and ending around 8 p.m. against the cruelty towards non-human animals for the sake of human entertainment. The protests are located at the Ringling Brothers Circus, Arrowhead Pond: 2695 E. Katella Ave., Anaheim, CA 92806 (near 57 freeway and Ball Road).

The non-human animals forced to perform in circus events like those put on Ringling Brothers are abused when they are trained to do unatural "tricks." We all are familiar with the techniques for training a dog to sit. But the methods used to train elephants and other circus performers are abusive and cruel. "Bullhooks" are used on the elephants to coerce them to raise their legs in unison or to "dance." When non-human animals are kept behind the curtain, there are reports of intense psychological and physical mistreatment including intimidation, starving, confinement to small cages, and neglect.

These protest have been going on since last week and will continue until August 4th. The police and the Ringling Brothers security have been intimidating and rude. Two arrests have been made so far. Protestors have been dressing up in sad clown outfits to attract attention and carrying signs that say, "Imagine them in the wild," "Tradition is no excuse for animal abuse," "Circus – A miserable life for the animals," "Circus – Cages, chains, bullhooks," and "Your fun is their misery." Some of the audience have left the circus upon seeing the pamplets and literature the protestors have been handing out and some have become irate with the anti-abuse message, claiming it is ruining their "fun." Ringling Brothers is upset because they are potentially losing money and face due to exposure of their cruel means to profit.

Anyone willing to be a watchdog for police abuse should come out and show solidarity.

Anyone interested in coming out to hold a sign or find out information is welcom to joing the protest.



For more general info on circus performer abuse, Ringling Brothers, etc please visit the sites below. Be warned that some images are not intended for those easily disturbed by violent abuse.

http://www.literacynet.org/cnnsf/elephant/story.html

http://www.aeinc-online.org/photo_gallery.html

http://www.literacynet.org/cnnsf/elephant/story.html

http://www.peta.org/liv/animaltimes/atsummer2002/circusspies/