Yesterday, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced plans to phase out the use of elephants in their shows by 2018. This wonderful news comes as a direct result of PETA US’ 35 years of loudly speaking out against Ringling’s cruelty to elephants as well as countless protests, numerous video exposés, powerful ad campaigns and letters from caring supporters.
But it’s not enough. Given the cruelty that has been documented time and time again at Ringling, including violent baby-elephant training, the circus needs to end the use of elephants now. These majestic animals don’t deserve another three years of suffering. Some of the elephants held by Ringling are painfully arthritic, and many have tuberculosis. Their retirement cannot wait until 2018.
PETA US will be doing everything they can to get these elephants off the road and out of boxcars as soon as possible. Stay tuned for updates on their work.
Please also take action to make sure elephants can never again be abused for entertainment in England and Wales – ask the government to put in place the long-promised ban on wild-animal circuses.
