{"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What countries still use animals in circuses? Ximena Flores, the bills sponsor, claimed that the ban has a set of fines for these violations and allows the authorities to confiscate the poor animals from abusive handlers. Finally, the use of wild animals in circuses regularly leads to accidents involving animal tamers, circus employees and the public. It is not unusual for them to become depressed and despondent in a slow, downward spiral that can eventually lead to self-harm behaviors or attacks against humans. Supporters argue that animals in captivity can be used for education and research and that zoos and aquariums play an important role in conservation by breeding endangered species. That means inspectors have found that they are failing to provide basic necessities to the animals, such as shelter from the elements, clean water, a minimum amount of space, and veterinary care. There are about 2,800 licensed animal exhibitors throughout the U.S., which include zoos, circuses, petting farms, wildlife and marine mammal parks, and some sanctuaries. Circus animals such as tigers and elephants are on the endangered species list. A recent report commissioned by the Welsh Government concluded that "Life for wild animals in travelling circuses - doesn't appear to constitute either a 'good life' or a 'life worth living'". Animals learn how to do tricks through fear instead of encouragement. Efforts need to be made to encourage circus owners to breed animals to maintain captive animal populations and reduce the number of wild animals removed from their natural environments. / Exotic Animals in Entertainment: the Pros and Cons Essay Sample. Many instances link the deadly disease to an infected animal in the circus. Animal rights activists object to the overwhelming number of animals that have died due to abusive treatment and lack of veterinary care in circuses. same gene responsible for the white coat is also linked with the optic nerve, wiring it to the wrong side of the brain. When the circus is run ethically and animals can interact in positive ways with humans, then there is an educational benefit to consider. For one, breeding tigers in captivity may decrease extinction rates. Of course, this fact applies only when animals (in captivity) receive proper treatment and care. Circuses train wild animals to perform unnatural acts for human amusement. Whats up its me, I am also visiting this The harsh reality is that elephants in captivity are kept in total isolation. Being confined to small spaces for extended periods, species such as tigers, monkeys, elephants, and ponies are denied certain natural behaviors. People began to fear others would mishandle and would not provide the proper care for the exotic animals in the entertainment industry causing conflict. Animals in Circuses and Zoos: Chiron's World. Were you aware that tigers are actually semi-nocturnal creatures that are only active during the nighttime? 14. Alternatives to balloons and sky lanterns. Trainers at the circus often use whips, bullhooks, and other objects that inflict pain as the primary way to train animals to do tricks. ? 6 Cons: -Animals are forced to do the tricks. If a zoo has a breeding programme, this is another way to protect endangered species which may have trouble finding suitable mates in the wild. Were you aware that tigers are actually semi-nocturnal creatures that are only active during the nighttime? While the circus created jobs for singers, dancers, entertainers, clowns and misfits who could levy their socially awkward physical appearance for a livelihood, it presented a challenge for the animals. Sign up and we will email you daily with the best of our political and news coverage while also giving you a taste of our most-popular lifestyle, opinion and personal blogs. Circus animals endure abuse to such a great extent that they may start losing their hair, teeth, or both due to high levels of mental and physical stress. The arguments for zoos. Over prolonged periods this can result in abnormal behaviours and health problems related to anxiety. The loud noise of the music, the cheers of the crowd and the dizzying lights all disorientate and cause stress to wild animals. Chinese circuses have defended their shows, saying that the animals are well fed and that teaching them tricks can help them become "stars". Circuses travel nearly year-round, in all weather extremes, sometimes for days at a time. Considering that wild animals walk an average of 30 miles daily, this is tragic, to say the least. Thats why it is so rare to see this opportunity but it does exist if youre willing to look for a circus that behaves appropriately. Then they go back into a cage that has barely enough space for them to take a step in any direction. This way an increasing number of people can take a stance and speak up for these unlucky creatures. Two of the most common animals involved in Pet Sports are dogs and horses. Over prolonged periods this can result in abnormal behaviours and health problems related to anxiety. This cruel method is shown in Petas undercover video, which depicts the treatment of large animals. 96 percent of circus animals are kept in cages for 11 months of the year. RSPCA 2023. Some circuses do not provide adequate veterinary care. Hence, they are forced to eat, defecate, and sleep in the same confined space. The final version of it could seat over 250,000 people. Every aspect of the animal's life, diet and accommodation is governed by strict guidelines. . Animals Asia does not support the use of any animals including dogs in circuses due to widespread abusive training techniques and poor living conditions. A lot of the time, when a circus animal is let out of the box, they are trained by whipping, hitting, poking, and shocking with electrical prods. Animals, good books, health, fitness, self-careyou name it. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The diet of animals is extremely poor compared to the natural diet in the wild. Every cat and dog owner knows their pet enjoys playing with humans, and it's no different for a horse or a lion. They provide a safe refuge for endangered or injured animals, but these parks can be abusive in their treatment of creatures as well. The modern ways to train their animal is absolutely different with the olden ways. For example, tuberculosis-infected circus elephants were connected to a severe outbreak in Tennessee. Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. Animals Asia Foundation, LimitedAnimals Asia Foundation is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. There are health risks to consider with some circus animals. Tuberculosis among elephants in captivity is relatively common. 6 - An exhibit could be brought near you. That way, the animal will not bleed during the show, and a bandage is not necessary. Some circus groups are intent on preserving the specific animal species they present to the public. 1. Explain to students that the use of captive breeding programs and species-survival plans is controversial and they will explore both sides of the issue. All rights reserved. According to upsetting facts on circus cruelty, lions and tigers with a white coat can only be produced by father to daughter or sister to brother inbreeding. to such a great extent that they may start losing their hair, teeth, or both due to high levels of mental and physical stress. 3. Sadly, this circus animal treatment is one of the most common ways trainers establish their dominance, often leading to dehydration and even starvation of the poor creature. 8. Because animals must become broken before they can perform tricks or stunts for entertainment, the combination of uncomfortable positions, potential abuse, and small cages or enclosures can lead to abnormal behavior patterns. An animal circus is defending using wild animals in their shows. The Animal Legal Defense Fund files high profile lawsuits and lobbies and advocates for stronger laws to protect animals used in entertainment. Sometimes they even harm themselves. It is time to rethink the idea of having any animals in a circus. By the late 19th century, lions, tigers, elephants, giraffes, and other animals from overseas would travel the United States, performing shows on a large scale with zoological exhibits as a marketing point. Managing exotic animals is tricky. and stop the exploitation of all animals, particularly white tigers. Proponents claim that there is evidence that animals enjoy performing and that they form bond with trainers. The easiest way to search for these petitions is by doing quick online research and by showing at least a tiny bit of support. Classroom is the educational resource for people of all ages. Vision Launch: Pros and Cons of Animals in Captivity, Time: The Last Act of the Greatest Show on Earth. We should protect them in their own habitat and prevent their abuse elsewhere. When animal activists began protesting this form of entertainment in the 1960s, many circuses would go out of business or merge with other companies. Laws that protect traveling animals are not enforced enough to make a difference, and are highly ignored. suffered greatly at the hands of their handlers. In Vietnam, weve seen species which are protected by national and international lawperforming in circuses. Even though the name of the condition implies that only animals kept in zoos are prone to said illness, this is definitely not the case. Zoos provide opportunities for nice family trips. Opponents argue that animal circus acts are demeaning to animals and do not teach children how to appreciate and respect wild animals. The sooner people realize this, the better. We don't believe animals should be subjected to the conditions of circus life. Next Pros And Cons Of Animal Cruelty They provide their animals with the best care and veterinary treatment and they make a profit from a career they love. As with any industry which creates financial gain, some people try to defend animal circuses. The conditions in which animals are kept in captivity can vary widely, with some facilities providing large naturalistic enclosures and proper care for the animals, while others may provide inadequate space and care. For one, the infant elephant, Kenny, was forced to perform while being sick and eventually died (as a result). Only a small fraction of the people who care for these animals use abusive practices. Many animals used in circuses are bred in captivity and will spend their entire lives in close contact with humans in an unnatural, stressful environment. Initially this is done with violence, then with the promise of food. Using trained animals in the circus. Hence, tigers in circuses live in a highly unnatural way. The ancient civilizations' rulers would often collect exotic animals such tigers, lions, bears, giraffes, elephants, and alligators. In China circuses and zoos are very popular, it draws almost 150 million visitors to 700 zoos. The US, France, and the UK are at the top of the list of countries that still use animals in shows. It is vital to educate adults and children on the cruelty displayed in circuses. Circuses that operate in the United States must also report deaths to the Fish and Wildlife Service. 2. Using animals for entertainment means that the animals are being taken advantage of, suffering, and even dying, for the amusement and pleasure of onlookers. Retired animals must be placed in a zoo, sanctuary or with an individual trained to care for wild animals. Animals should be banned in circuses. [ 1] [ 2] The contemporary zoo evolved from 19th century European zoos. Creating jobs for humans has moral implications when it is at the expense of animals. Natural animal behaviors are changed. Circus animals age and eventually outgrow their usefulness. Zoos can help to save endangered species by keeping them in a 'safe' environment. 8. Fortunately, this article will attempt to expose the extreme horror that is the animal circus and what goes on behind closed doors (or, should I say cages). Here you can find a list of the most popular circus animals: Lions Tiger Elephants Giraffes Rhinos Hippos Bears . Global awareness of animal rights and wildlife conservation efforts are changing the sentimental feelings the circus once provoked. What countries still use animals in circuses? Zoos provide specialized care for the animals that are kept on the grounds. , and encourage circuses featuring only human performers! The use of animals in captivity should be minimized and done in a way that causes the least harm, and ensure that the animals are able to express their natural behaviours as much as possible. In reality, many endure the worst conditions imaginable and receive horrific treatment from the circus to learn elaborate tricks and stunts for shows. 6. As well as the measures targeting circuses, the new law will raise the maximum penalty for mistreating animals to five years in prison and a fine of 75,000 euros ($85,000), and will tighten . This can be very stressful for them. Their efforts create jobs for trainers, handlers, dancers, entertainers, and many others who might not be able to use their creative efforts in other ways. Well, the extreme frustration and the increased mental stress exhibited in animals in captivity, popularly. The next targets would be zoos and aquariums, horseracing, meat consumption, wool, silk and leather-wearing, medical research and pet ownership. Not to mention that this process goes on for generations on end. Animals Should Not Be Used for Entertainment. The circus is a cultural tradition in the United States and throughout the world. Britain's last big cat trainer, Thomas Chipperfield posted a video diary on YouTube to demonstrate how this works in practice. Plus, attending the circus is a chance to witness some of these creatures in real life, but the wild animals are also trained to present the craziest tricks out there. Then there was Benjamin, a 4-year-old elephant who drowned while attempting to swim in a pond after being tortured with a bullhook. Sheila Lehrke, the animal issues coordinator for the International Professional Rodeo Association, has a brochure full of rules and guidelines for handling livestock that govern all association. Zoos stopped animal performances to distance themselves from circuses, but have reintroduced them because animals benefit from the stimulation. Pros: Trained animal acts are entertaining and can educate people about different species. Kimberley McGee is an award-winning journalist with 20+ years of experience writing about education, jobs, business and more for The New York Times, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Todays Parent and other publications. Most circus trainers act ethically and responsibly with their animals. This paper provides a detailed analysis of the federal, state, and international laws that affect circus animals. Before TV and the Internet, the circus was the only opportunity for most people to contemplate some animals such as lions, monkeys, and elephants. Some of them are taken away from their families and everything they know, even if theyre born in captivity. Circuses, aquariums, and zoos have . The key to a successful experience is to provide the animals with enough space to live comfortably while traveling, and then providing an enclosure that simulates their natural habitat with as much space as possible. There are very few chances for them to run around, play, or socialize with others of their species. They are frequently beaten with sharp tools that resemble fireplace pokers called bullhooks. But Animal activists have visited an animal training facilities in Suzhou. Royalty of other ancient civilizations were fascinated by exotic animals such as the princes in Arabia and kings, queens or emperors of China, Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, Greece, and Rome. 1. Zoological gardens are a controversial component of human society. The diet of animals is extremely poor compared to the natural diet in the wild. Circus animals age and eventually outgrow their usefulness. Globally, Bolivia was the first country to ban the whole, Not only did Bolivia manage to ban the use of wild animals in circus performances, but the ban also included. Sea lions Monkeys Zebras Camels Llamas Pumas Lynxes Horses Crocodiles Dogs Pigs Parrots Geese Why might animals in the circus make sense? Animals in captivity are deprived of many things that are important to them, as a result they become lonely and bored. For example, elephants in the wild typically eat branches, roots, and grass, taking each bite in complete peace.\n\nOn the other hand, elephants in the circus or zoo are given straw, branches, and hay. Donations are tax deductible to the extent permitted by the law. In fact, some upsetting data has shown that calves undergoing the so-called breaking process are usually chained for about 23 hours every day. All animals in a zoo or menagerie are kept in an enclosure, displayed to the public, and . The best way to educate kids on this topic is by explaining the animals natural behavior and then contrasting it with the behavior in the circus. Most importantly, Simon managed to shut down some circus companies and even protested against the Ringling Bros. to take circus elephants off of shows. Training and performance are organised play, like throwing a stick for a dog or pulling string in front of a cat. The same gene responsible for the white coat is also linked with the optic nerve, wiring it to the wrong side of the brain. Animals are trained using "carrot and stick" policy. The behaviours they see are completely unnatural and give an entirely false impression of the lives and needs of animals. Many animals in circuses carry diseases that can be transferred over to humans. In May of 2017, the last elephant made treads under the legendary big top of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus due to public demand that the giant animals be retired from such grueling work in the sawdust-laden three rings of the 146-year-old circus. The truth is some are highly likely to have been illegally poached from the wild and sold into circuses, while other animals have been bred for the entertainment industry. Although the UKs Government pledged to ban them in 2012, the individual Conservative MPs still repeatedly block the bills. Fortunately, there are plenty of petitions out there against animal cruelty in the circus. 2. Arguments Against Zoos . So, if a cruelty-free circus shows up in your town, check it out and show your support. Some of them travel for 11 months of the year in trailers or railroad cars with no climate control. People take part, considering them to be fun, entertaining, artistic or cultural . does not only involve beatings and confinement to small spaces. There can be educational opportunities with a well-run circus. sharing nice thoughts. 3. Many of the animals used in circuses are bred in captivity. is relatively common. Animals in circuses develop abnormal behaviors. Opines that ringling bros 2010, circus animal abuse, video, youtube, october 23, viewed 26 march 2014; nova 2014, what are animals thinking - are animal; Cites alatola, e, the ethics of animal circuses, animal law guide 2010, the law society of new south wales young lawyers. Animals in circus (elephants, lions) are endangered species. Frequently, visitors feed large animals with iconic snacks such as peanuts and popcorn."}}]}.