On February 1st, 2017, Bowling Green will be hosting Carden Circus at the Stroh Center. In light of the recent victory for animals at the Ringling Brothers' Circus, we would like to bring to attention that Bowling Green State University is still hosting circuses on our campus. Circuses like these are known to mistreat their animals. Despite their efforts to ensure that they are treating their animals correctly and in accordance with state laws, we are aware that circuses are known to harm and neglect the exotic animals they are supposed to be taking care of. 

Carden Circus boasts its use of exotic animals, like elephants and tigers, in its performances. These are wild animals that deserve to be free of a life of being forced to perform for human enjoyment. Trainers often use cruel methods to get animals to learn tricks or behave a certain way. Carden Circus also allows children to ride the exotic animals, something that no frightened, confused animal should be subjected to. These acts, among others, show the circus’ blatant disregard for the well-being of animals.

As students and faculty of Bowling Green State University, we are disturbed to know that our University supports the circus and their actions by allowing them to perform on our campus. The undersigned citizens believe that these events (all circuses and animal-based entertainment acts) should be banned from our campus henceforth.