Re: the July 6 letter to the editor "The circus comes to town; don't complain."
This letter shows such a lack of compassion and basic awareness of performing animals. This letter embodies the mindset that it's OK for animals to be used in an unnatural way for human entertainment. The very premise of confining large animals and forcing them to do silly tricks and routines for "entertainment" is abusive. Physical abuse has been very well documented.
The human circus performers may have been smiling and willing; they were performing by choice. I doubt any elephant, big cat, or bear would choose a circus life if they were able — a miserable life of coercion, confinement and being dragged from city to city. Was animal training always humane? Who gives much thought to what goes on behind the scenes? I'm glad circuses are dying. I'm glad there are people who care enough to protest, and sanctuaries willing to provide caring homes for animals lucky enough to escape their plight. As the saying goes, "circuses are no fun for animals."
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Deb Klumpp
Oro Valley
Disclaimer: As submitted to the Arizona Daily Star.