End the Torture and Abuse of Circus Animals

Target: Armin Laschet, Party leader of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany

Goal: Protect animals from abuse and neglect for human entertainment in circuses.

Thousands of exotic animals, including tigers, elephants, and lions are used to entertain people in circuses. They are forced to perform difficult tricks and endanger themselves. Concerns about animal mistreatment and public safety caused numerous communities to ban or restrict the use of animals in circuses. In many countries including Germany, however, wild animals are still imprisoned.

All animals in the circus industry suffer terribly. They lead lives of melancholy, despair, and constant fear. In addition, they are deprived of physical and social needs, confined in small enclosures, and spend numerous hours traveling in tiny trailers. The animals often indicate their distress in their unnatural, abusive environment by rocking, swaying, and pacing.

No animal will naturally stand on its head, balance on pedestals, or jump through hoops, that is why they are often violently forced to perform these ludicrous acts. Some circus trainers were discovered to abuse the animals with whips, tight collars, electric prods, muzzles, and so-called “bullhooks.” Taking action against this horrific cruelty is difficult, because training sessions are not monitored, and the circus staff conceals the gruesome facts.

In one incident at Germany’s Circus Krone, two panic-stricken elephants ran into another elephant during a performance, with the one crashing into the audience. This ordeal left the elephants traumatize and one injured. This was no rare case. Hundreds of circuses are still traveling across Germany with thousands of wild animals with similar stories of dangerous incidents.

The veterinary community has already urged the European authorities to prohibit the use of wild mammals in touring circuses. It is time for Germany to act to prevent the physical and emotional abuse of wild animal. Sign this petition to ban wild animals in circuses in Germany.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Laschet,

Rejecting a ban on wild animals in circuses is a shameful decision that leaves hundreds of animals suffering from horrendous abuse. Circus Krone alone imprisons more than two hundred animals, including elephants, lions, tigers, camels, monkeys, and rhinoceros. Their suffering is on your hands.

The public demand for cruelty-free circuses is increasing rapidly. Over the past decades, both through strict regulation as well as changing public opinion, animal acts in circuses have begun to be a thing of the past in most European countries. Yet, Germany is one of the few that still allows this cruel exploitation to continue.

It is the time for Germany to act. Initiate the ban of wild animals in circuses to rectify your previous mistake of refusing this cause.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: DirkJan Ranzijn