Hello Everyone,

I wanted to take a moment to let you know about the cruelty in circuses with exotic animals. Recently, Ringling Bros circus was fined $270,000 for cruelty to the elephants, tigers and other exotic animals in their traveling circus.  In truth, Ringling is the "cruelest show on earth."

The animals in these traveling circuses are housed in rail cars for 18-20 hours per day. They are not climate controlled. Many simply die from heat exhaustion and lack of hydration and medical care. Ringling uses "magic dust" to cover up the wounds on injured elephants. They also use head covers over the ears to hide the wounds from the bullhooks which look like fire pokers.

Atlanta has a BAN the BULLHOOK facebook page if you want to join.  Its members find it cruel and imhumane to beat the elephants with bullhooks in order to make them perform in circuses. Also, Ringling which is owned by Feld Entertainment takes baby elephants from their mothers at only 6 months old. They tie them down with ropes and beat them into submission.

Furthermore, 20-30% of all elephants in circuses have tuberculosis which can be spread to humans and bovines. There was a TB outbreak in California and the circus had to cancel some of its shows.

Just last week the unaccredited roadside Collins Zoo out of Mississippi had 11 exotic animals seized for animal cruelty. These beautiful creatures do not belong with humans.

You can go to www.circuses.com to see undercover video taken of Ringling Bros beating elephants, electocuting tigers and much more.

There are plenty of circuses you can take your children to for cruelty free entertainment. Big Apple Circus and Cirque du Soleil are animal free. In California there is the Pickle circus.

Will you please help speak up for animals by NOT taking your children and loved one to a circus with exotic animals.

From my paw to yours,

Boomer the beagle