Behind the BIG TOP: Abuse should not be kept secret.

If someone you loved was being abused what would you do?

If someone you knew was being beat up, what would you do?

If a friend was being beat up on a regular basis with a bullhook, would you take action to stop it?

What if it was somebody else’s friend?  Somebody else’s child?  Baby?  ELEPHANT?

I can’t stand the thought of abuse.  To anyone…human or not….but when it’s completely in vain and for profit, when it’s completely uncalled for and violent, when it’s a complete horror to somebody that’s innocent and gentle, I can’t help but wrench my heart out.  The circus is not all fun and games–it only seems that way.  Fun for humans that get to watch the show, but for the animals, it’s hell on earth.  Now put yourself in those elephant shoes!  Here’s the letter I wrote this morning to the Secretary of Agriculture, Thomas J. Vilsack. 

Thomas J. Vilsack,

After watching undercover video footage shot in Ringling’s Red Unit, I am writing to ask that the USDA seize the unit’s elephants as soon as humanly possible. This video clearly shows Ringling employees hitting and whipping elephants, sometimes using sharp bullhooks. And one elephant, Tonka, shows persistent signs of mental distress yet is still forced to perform night after night.  This can NOT go on.  Thousands of crowds are entertained with the illusion of happiness that is nothing more than the ghost of abuse.  I am absolutely sickened by this.  If these were HUMAN children, the abusers would be kept in jail; no one, no matter what species they are, should have to endure this painful physical, mental and emotional abuse.

YOU have the power to remove these innocent, gentle creatures from the horror.  Be sure that Tonka and other elephants in Ringling’s custody are not struck or whipped again. Please work with PETA to place them in a reputable sanctuary and get them the heck out of this God-forsaken nightmare called “the circus”….it is our basic human duty as responsible, capable people to look out for those that can not look out for themselves, ESPECIALLY IN THE FACE OF ABUSE.

I also ask that the USDA immediately investigate the conduct of Ringling and its employees and vigorously enforce the Animal Welfare Act.  Justice needs to be brought to abusers…freedom needs to be brought to the abused.

Thank you.

You, too, have the opportunity to write a letter.  For more information on the abuse of Ringling Brothers, please visit www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com .     Taking your family to the circus just supports the continuing abuse of circus animals…I know it all seems so fun and innocent, but that is the farthest from the truth.  The popcorn and peanuts, the lights and the music, the costumes and smiles…. are all just ways to cover the bloody truth.

These animals need our help!  With humans that care, the future for these animals can be bright and happy, without the whips, bullhooks, abuse and intolerable living conditions.  If we don’t help them, who will?  Visit www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com today and see how much we can accomplish.