Travel agency AAA is teaming up with infamous animal abuser Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus by offering discounted tickets to Ringling events.
Please take a minute to tell AAA that compassionate consumers are outraged when any company promotes Ringling. Also let the travel agency know that Ringling has earned universal condemnation by animal protection organizations, elephant experts, and animal advocates.
Ringling has a lengthy history of animal abuse and neglect. In fact, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, The Fund for Animals, the Animal Welfare Institute, and the Animal Protection Institute are currently challenging Ringling in federal court, alleging that Ringling's routine mistreatment of elephants is a violation of the Endangered Species Act.
Animals used in circuses are subjected to violent training, constant confinement, and grueling routines. Whips, chains, and bullhooks are used to punish and control animals. In 2006, PETA captured on videotape Ringling handlers aggressively using the bullhook on elephants and a Ringling trainer inflicting a bloody wound behind an elephant's ear. PETA also found that lame elephants were being forced to travel and perform.
In a letter sent to AAA, PETA asked the company to adopt a policy against sponsoring any circus that uses animals. So far, AAA has not agreed to implement such a policy.
After learning of the abuse inherent in animal circuses, major corporations like Denny's, General Mills, Burger King, Liz Claiborne, MasterCard, Visa, and Sears, Roebuck and Co. ended their sponsorships of circuses like Ringling and UniverSoul, another circus that forces animals to perform confusing and often painful tricks.
