After reading Katy DeSantis’ letter Board members should keep promise of banning circus (SN 2/27), I couldn’t help but notice that she mentioned the only humane circuses are ones with only humans. What is the world coming to?
I must admit that it is really no big deal to have a circus without animals, but unless you have a large main act or attraction that can replace people’s fascination with animals, you won’t be filling quite as many seats as before.
However, upon digging into this subject a little deeper, I found that the Royal Hanneford Circus, indeed, does have a history of abuse. By simply searching online for inspections, there is a list of violations on the part of the animal keepers, mainly those in charge of the elephants.
Unfortunately, there is no real photographic or even video evidence of these offenses. On YouTube, the only videos of elephant abuse by the Royal Hanneford are taken here at MSU last year.
I also must add that the videos are too short to be very incriminating and only show the trainers/handlers walking the animals.
But it is wrong simply to ban all circuses because one organization screwed up (or two, if you include the U.S. Department of Agriculture for not getting tough with Royal Hanneford).
There are plenty of “humane” circuses that have animal acts — add in the fact that the circus brings in many paying spectators to see the animals.
I know my 10-year-old sister would be heartbroken to hear that in the future there could be no more animal circuses.
Besides, you don’t make money during intermission by offering “people rides” because the circus has no animals.
Remember to look at both sides of this issue.
Nick DeClerg
engineering freshman
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