Compassionate people are horrified when they learn about Ringling Bros. Circus' cruel treatment of animals. Elephants used by Ringling spend most of their lives in chains and are controlled by the use of bullhooks—rods with sharp metal hooks on the end—and Ringling opposes legislation that would ban this tool of torture. Tigers spend the vast majority of their time in cages that are so small that they can barely move. Animals are beaten into submission and denied everything that is natural and important to them. Animals often respond violently to such treatment. Terrified elephants and pent-up tigers have lashed out, causing injury, damage, and death. Ringling goes to great lengths to hide the dark side of the big top—that animals are beaten bloody, torn from their families, and suffer painful deaths.
Writing a letter to the editor of your local newspaper can educate countless readers and get them thinking about this important issue. Letters are a simple and effective way to spread the word! Please take a moment to send a letter to the editor of your local newspaper educating readers about Ringling's horrific treatment of animals and urging people to shun the circus. Speak from the heart, and ask people not to support circus cruelty. If you are not sure about the points to make in your letter, visit Circuses.com for more details, and check out these letter writing tips. Don't forget to include your family members and friends in your campaign by getting them to write letters too. The more letters that a paper receives, the better the chances are that some will get printed!
