Contrary to the self-serving assertions made by its promoter, the Ringling Bros. Circus’s sordid history is readily available to the public.
Ringl ing paid a record $270,000 to settle multiple violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. Ringling previously paid $20,000 to settle charges of failing to provide veterinary care for three-year-old baby elephant Kenny, who died after he was forced to perform despite being obviously ill. At least 29 elephants have died while in Ringling’s hands since 1992.
Former employees of Ringling have come forward to report egregious abuses, including baby elephants being forcibly removed from their frantic mothers, tied down by all four legs, slammed to the ground and surrounded by men wielding bullhooks and electric hotshots. Readers can see dozens of compelling photographs that show this routine abuse, which were given to PETA by a retired Ringling employee who had regrets about his career.
Readers can look online and judge for themselves.
Jennifer O’Connor, PETA Foundation