The circus came to Alpena this past week bringing with it tigers, lions and camels.

But you may not be aware that:

∫ Animals used in circuses are captives who are forced to perform confusing, uncomfortable, repetitious, and often painful acts.

∫ Circuses would quickly lose their appeal if more people knew about the cruel methods used to train the animals as well as the cramped confinement, unacceptable travel, and poor treatment that they endure — not to mention what happens to them when they “retire.”

∫ Physical punishment has always been the standard training method for animals in circuses. Trainers drug some animals to make them “manageable” and surgically remove the teeth and claws of others.

∫ Constant travel means that animals are confined to boxcars, trailers, or trucks for days at a time in extremely hot and cold weather, often without access to basic necessities such as food, water and veterinary care.

The uses of animals in entertainment has already been restricted or banned in cities across the U.S. and in countries worldwide. Animal-free circuses are exciting and innovative with trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers and acrobats.

Read more: www.peta.org/issues/animals-in-entertainment.

Nancy Mellott

Harrisville

Member

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals