Addressed to Carson and Barnes Circus, Shriners and other circus handlers. 

History Of Animals in the Circus

Wild animals first began being used in circuses in around 1831 by Henri Martin, a French trainer who stepped into a cage with a lion. Since then, many other wild animals have been used for people's entertainment. But there is a darker side to be addressed. Countries including the USA and Spain still use live animals in their circuses. In 2009, Bolivia became the first country to ban animals in circuses, and soon other countries followed suit by adding legislation. Groups such as Born Free and Last Chance for Animals have been working to help stop animal abuse in circuses. 

Statistics and Facts (Why should this change?)

96% of circus animals spend 11 months chained up and locked away in a cage. The cages are often filled with the animal's waste and leftover food. Sometimes more than one animal is in each cage making less room for them to walk around and sleep. Baby elephants can be chained up and shocked with electric pods to adulthood. Some circus handlers use wonder dust (grey dust made to stop bleeding) to hide the injuries inflicted on the elephants. Between 1990 and 2021, around 126 big cats died in captivity from unnatural causes. Tigers are, by nature, scared of fire but are still forced to jump through them. Some handlers use whips, collars, muzzles and other tools to force the animals to perform. From all the travel and confined spaces, animals can develop zoochosis, a disorder that causes mental issues causing animals to sway and pace around.

In January 2015, Carson and Barnes were investigated by The United States Department Of Agriculture, (USDA) in the Carson and Barnes facility in Oklahoma. The USDA revealed compromised welfare on 3 elephants, a llama and a hippo. One elephant named Nina was photographed chained inside the facility and was described as "thin" and "emaciated" from losing 8.7% of her body weight. Nina the elephant later died in May. A hippo named Katie was also found to be "losing weight and not doing well". From looking through records, it was discovered no veterinarian treatment was given and Katie was "found dead" 6 months later. A llama named Bandit was found to have "overgrown hooves" which can lead to "chronic problems in the feet and legs." 2 elderly elephants named Opal and Rosie were given an unapproved treatment by a person not trained to perform it.

Benefits of Change

Animals and humans would greatly benefit from making this change. Animals would stop getting tortured and stop facing physical and mental pain. Once let go, they can live in the wild as nature intended. Wild elephants can survive up to 60 to 70 years but many captive elephants die before the age of 40.  

Some people argue that circus animals educate children, but they don't. Letting in the wild will allow children to see their natural habits, not the forced ones. This would also enable new entertainment from humans to stand forward. Many people around the world have talents which are worthy of the circus. Contortionists, knife throwers and hypnotists 

Challenges

Some challenges would arise with removing animals from the circus. Children love wild animals and the things they do. A study by PJ Library showed that children like wild animals because they make interesting noises that they don't hear from pets, they have unexpected behaviours meaning the children get that element of surprise. Children also can learn about the different animals from around the world. 

Another issue that could arise would be people losing their jobs if they work with the animals. Most circuses have people who's jobs are to watch and train the animals. 

Who?

The circus handlers and owners who use animals can make this change! The governments of different countries can make this change! You can help make this change! This would allow for more money because the cost of food and travel would lower as circus handlers wouldn't need to pay for that anymore. 

Imagine if you were chained up, locked in a cage, tortured and forced to perform every day. I know I wouldn't enjoy it. 

From Peyton