Boycott Ringling Brothers circus when it comes to Wachovia Center in February

Written by Megan Drake |

The Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus is scheduled to come to Philadelphia February 24 - 28. What is so fun about a circus?

Okay, there are clowns that juggle, high wire acrobats that thrill with daring moves and oh yes, animals tortured to perform inane tricks like standing on one foot.

Is it worth it?

The skill of juggling can be learned in a couple of lessons (it is good aerobic exercise, too.) All the tight rope walkers and other acrobats have a net to break their fall. Who protects the animals?

Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey wants the public to believe it is humane in its treatment of animals but documentation from Sam Haddock, the recently deceased animal trainer for Ringling Brothers, attests otherwise.

In Philadelphia there is a dedicated group of animal activists who protest animal abuse in its various forms. Animal Activists of Philly is headed by Marianne Bessey, a long time defender of animals who actively protests causes like circus cruelty and zoo captivity.

This past Saturday Bessey could be seen at The Gallery at 9th and Market Streets dressed in a lime green suit, a pair of shoes not made for walking and a wild and crazy multi-colored wig with 'sad clown' face makeup distributing literature to passersby about the inherent cruelty of circuses to its captive animals. A handful of other volunteers spent their afternoon doing the same, some in costume, some not and oh yes, one sweet pit bull mix also spent her day there for the cause!

"The press portrays circuses as such good fun; we want to educate the public and raise awareness of the plight of circus animals."
~ Marianne Bessey, Animal ACTivists of Philly

Is an animal held captive with chains, beaten into submission with whips and bullhooks and torn away from its mother at too early an age just to "entertain" the kind of example of human-animal bonding you want to give your child?

Think about it. Read about it. But don't take your child, or any child to a circus. If you would like to join future demonstrations by Animal ACTivists of Philly get in touch with them trough their website.

Look below at a video of Tom Rider, the former Ringling Brothers employee who brought suit against the circus giant talking about what he witnessed during his years working for Ringling Brothers. The judge dismissed the case by rendering his legal opinion Rider had no right to sue Ringling Brothers and Barnam & Bailey under the Endangered Species Act. In other words it was dismissed on a technicality. The animals were not given their day in court.

While you're at it take a look at the other video... it demonstrates the concept of protected contact training with elephants and actually is humane.

For More Info: Elephant abuse at Ringling Brothers Circus

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