The circus is an outdated and cruel source of entertainment. It is unbelievable that such a thing continues to exist in modern society. In most circuses, wild animals are stolen from their natural habitats, kept in cages and chains and "trained" to perform painful, tiring and unnatural tricks. Regardless of how circuses claim to treat their animals behind the scenes, a circus is a highly stressful and confusing environment for once wild animals. The bright lights, loud noises and pressure from trainers cause the animals anxiety. Human performers in the circus perform of their own free will and are paid to do so; the animals are the definition of slaves. No where in nature will you see an elephant balance on a bucket nor will you see a tiger jump through a flaming hoop. 

Many believe Appalachian State University to be a progressive campus, please do not ruin this reputation or halt our progress by potentially allowing blatant animal cruelty to take place on campus.