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.

Exploiting the harsh lives of the circus elephants is the first step towards stopping this horrific crime.  PETA provides the world with videos of the elephants being tormented. 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. In a 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 as horrible quarters. Barely ever being cleaned and beat often. PETA constructed a guide for the authorities to check elephant health and safety. PETA maintains fact sheets on numerous circuses that list their history of Animal Welfare Act violations as well as other problems. Everything i ready for a petition to be signed to maintain a regular check up on elephants in the circus scene.

WORKS CITED

http://www.ringlingbeatsanimals.com

http://animalrights.about.com/od/animalsinentertainment/a/JaynesElephant2.htm