Circus Protests

The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida is staging protests at the Amway Center. They are working to educate the public about the abuse used to train circus animals. Ringling Brothers is presenting their 43rd annual production. A barker outside the arena kept announcing “The Greatest show on Earth!” He kept announcing that anyone going to the show would “get a pair of crazy clown glasses!” The protesters want people to open their eyes.” Holding banners and poster boards showing elephants that were chained and being hit with a bull hook, similar to a fireplace poker, demonstrators shouted, “Don’t go to the show, this is what your money is going to!” “Take your kids to the Science Center instead!” One of their posters read, “The Cruelest Show on Earth. Some protesters held electric candles standing in vigil.

Some people strolling to the show were upset. “This is all Shit!” an angry man shouted at the protesters. A very angry woman shouted, “I’ll spend my money how I want! I personally know the trainers!” A flier handed to me stated that in November 2011, the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus had to pay a $270,000 fine to the USDA to settle allegations that it violated animal welfare laws in its handling of elephants, tigers and other animals. The fine was the largest ever against a circus. At Ringling Brothers at least 29 Ringling elephants, including babies, have died since 1992.

Animals at the circus don’t perform because they want to, but because they are scared not to.  Training includes whips, ropes, electric shocks and bull hooks. Animals in the circus live in chains, cages and railroad cars never experiencing their natural habitat.

Protests continue this week before every Ringling Brother’s Circus performance outside the Amway Center. Stop out and show your support.

Saturday January 12th- 10:00am, 2:00pm, 6:00pm ( Vigil, please dress in black)

Sunday January 13th -11:30am, 3:30pm

Monday January 14th – 10am, 2pm, 6pm

Tuesday January 15th- 11:30, 3:30pm

Wednesday January 16th- 3:30pm ( Help is needed at this show!)

Thursday January 17th – 6:00pm

Friday January 18th – 6:00pm

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