The circus is often referred to as the happiest show on earth. People are easily amused by the flashing lights and bright colors of the skilled showmanship that the circus has to offer. Intrigued by acts ranging from high flying acrobats to dancing elephants, many seek the circus for their own enjoyment. However, for a show to be known as the happiest show on earth, people must first consider the way the elephants are treated during the practice for these shows. They are whipped, starved, depraved, and tortured until the elephants comply with the ring leader.

Source 1

Background: Exploiting the harsh life of circus elephants this article reveals many instances where elephants are actually tortured and starved.

Intended use: I plan to use this information towards my argument that the circus is not the happiest show on earth, however it is a horribly run animal cruelty ring.

Source 2

Background: This website provides video evidence  that the Ringling Bros circus tortured their elephants moments be four performing a show. PETA provides the world with these videos encouraging people to protest the circus. After seeing the elephants whipped in the face a few times it is hard to side with the circus.

Intended use: I intend to use these videos as specific evidence that even minutes be four a show the naturally wild animal is tortured into submission by one or two men.

Source 3

Background: In this compelling article an ex circus trainer states that after a show the elephant was led into a tent and beat by five men with bull hooks. “[a]fter my three years working with elephants in the circus, I can tell you that they live in confinement and they are beaten all the time when they don’t perform properly” also the article states the living situations of the elephants.

Intended use: Further adding to the cruelty of the elephants first hand accounts are always valuable. I intend to use this information to shine a light on how the elephants are managed and kept during their tenure of “circus performers”

Source 4

Background: This whole website is dedicated to protesting circus around the world. Giving people the information on where to start and how to protest these grotesque shoes from happening in the future. Allowing people to print posters to hang in their neighborhood is just one more step to stopping these violent occurrences.

Intended use: protesters often shine a light on the evils preformed by someone. Here on this website i intend to take first hand experiences of people trying to stop the circus from beating the elephants and try to get more people involved.

Source 5

Background: This article explains the laws of animal regulation and how to spot wounds on elephants such as captivity sores on their feet. PETA constructed a guide for the authorities to check elephant health and safety. PETA also has a video of the use of billhooks being plunged into the elephant skin. PETA maintains fact sheets on numerous circuses that list their history of Animal Welfare Act violations as well as other problems.

Intended use: PETA offers the authorities with a guide to check for elephant mistreatment. With the understanding of this (along with records of every circus that has had former misconducts) it will be easier to spread the knowledge to other people. With this information i plan to explain the ways to detect elephant cruelty and hopefully save elephants in the future by spreading word of how these majestic animals are treated.