posted on September 7, 2002 08:13:09 PM new
Check it out. What do you think? I would tend to think that very few circus animals are treated with any kind of humanity. Rodeos are also a source of incredible cruelty. Aren't these "amusements" a bit archaic?
posted on September 7, 2002 09:48:03 PM new
Even though states have Anti-Cruelty Statutes, few prosecutions and convictions are made aganist those who are cruel to animals. The statutes are almost non existent in some states. Animal cruelty in Mississippi is only considered a misdemeanor while in California, fines of 20,000 along with imprisonment are on the books but unfortunately, these laws are seldom used.
http://www.animal-law.org/statutes/index.html
The Animal Rights organization of Florida depends on volunteers and has only three employees.
Some supporters of zoos justify the captivity of wild animals by the claim that they will live longer. But that's still unfair. The quality of their life should be considered and not the length.
Animals in the circus suffer before and after the shows unseen by those who visit. Besides being punished during training, they have to travel thousands of miles in uncomfortable railroad cars often in extreme heat or cold in filthy conditions.
People can learn about animals from books, videos and by observing them in their wild habitat. Locking wild animals up is cruel.
posted on September 9, 2002 01:15:48 AM new
I've heard plenty on this subject. We went to the circus last year and PETA was handing out leaflets. Then there was the publicized trial.
I agree that the animals should receive better treatment but I would not label all circuses as animal cruelty. They are fun for kids and families, an important part of childhood. A year later, my kids still play with the stuffed elephant dolls we bought.
When I attended, I watched the elephants closely. They seemed a bit tired and not very happy, but hey who is when they work full-time? I tore my back earlier this year at work. Does that mean my employer should be charged with "employee cruelty? "
posted on September 9, 2002 06:22:02 AM new
an important part of childhood.
which part? the part that teaches kids that wild animals exist to perform stupid tricks for humans?
I tore my back earlier this year at work. Does that mean my employer should be charged with "employee cruelty?
if you tore your back while being forced to do handstands under the threat of a sharpened pike or a cattle prod, then yes, your employer should be charged with cruelty...
