My comments are focused on EXOTIC animals, especially elephants. Domesticated animals have their own issues... caused by humans too (which is a whole other topic). But this article deals with only elephants... so my comments focus on the same. I think Charlie tried to MIX topics by commenting on domestic animals.
I don't think that it's right that an 'endangered species' is exploited -- anywhere in the world -- and ESPECIALLY in the U.S. This animal isn't even indigenous to this country! Yet, many elephants are USED in the U.S, to make money... and the elephants suffer because of this.
The article states Commerford lost $80K because of the 'no ele ride' policy enforcement. What's more important to them: MONEY or PUBLIC (and animal) SAFETY?
It's wrong to hold exotic animals captive especially when the animals' instincts are severely compromised. Elephants must have space... lots of space... to exercise their bodies to maintain good physical health and psychological good health. Circus routines are NOT EXERCISE. In between performances, elephants are returned to gang lines (chains) or held in spaces with electrified wires to keep them 'contained'. This is their 'spot' until the next performance or the circus is ready to travel again. The travel is even more restrictive and even dirtier than the other.
Elephants are held in check inside trucks and box cars... IN CHAINS once again. If elephants move too much during transport, the load becomes unbalanced creating risk for accidents. AGAIN... another safety issue for animals and the public!
The USDA has confirmed that elephants can carry a form of transmissible TB ... from elephant to human... and back again. Do you realize what a risk you take if your child rides an infected elephant? Is your health or your child's health worth the risk? How do you know if the elephant in front of you is free from disease?
My opposition to elephants in circuses is this: they are captive ... forever captive... and must do what the humans want them to do.. and must learn and perform unnatural behaviors. Elephants never stand with all their weight on only their back legs. Elephants don't naturally do head stands or "sit" on pedestals. These behaviors are 'forced' upon them... they must learn the 'tricks of the trade' to bring you entertainment.
I protest this... exotics are not there for our USE... nor should they be held captive and FORCED to learn routines that make their captors money!
It is wrong... and captivity in the circus stinks!
Posted on June 14 at 11:07 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My comments are focused on EXOTIC animals, especially elephants. Domesticated animals have their own issues... caused by humans too (which is a whole other topic). But this article deals with only elephants... so my comments focus on the same. I think Charlie tried to MIX topics by commenting on domestic animals.
I don't think that it's right that an 'endangered species' is exploited -- anywhere in the world -- and ESPECIALLY in the U.S. This animal isn't even indigenous to this country! Yet, many elephants are USED in the U.S, to make money... and the elephants suffer because of this.
The article states Commerford lost $80K because of the 'no ele ride' policy enforcement. What's more important to them: MONEY or PUBLIC (and animal) SAFETY?
It's wrong to hold exotic animals captive especially when the animals' instincts are severely compromised. Elephants must have space... lots of space... to exercise their bodies to maintain good physical health and psychological good health. Circus routines are NOT EXERCISE. In between performances, elephants are returned to gang lines (chains) or held in spaces with electrified wires to keep them 'contained'. This is their 'spot' until the next performance or the circus is ready to travel again. The travel is even more restrictive and even dirtier than the other.
Elephants are held in check inside trucks and box cars... IN CHAINS once again. If elephants move too much during transport, the load becomes unbalanced creating risk for accidents. AGAIN... another safety issue for animals and the public!
The USDA has confirmed that elephants can carry a form of transmissible TB ... from elephant to human... and back again. Do you realize what a risk you take if your child rides an infected elephant? Is your health or your child's health worth the risk? How do you know if the elephant in front of you is free from disease?
My opposition to elephants in circuses is this: they are captive ... forever captive... and must do what the humans want them to do.. and must learn and perform unnatural behaviors. Elephants never stand with all their weight on only their back legs. Elephants don't naturally do head stands or "sit" on pedestals. These behaviors are 'forced' upon them... they must learn the 'tricks of the trade' to bring you entertainment.
I protest this... exotics are not there for our USE... nor should they be held captive and FORCED to learn routines that make their captors money!
It is wrong... and captivity in the circus stinks!
Thanks for reading my comments.
-- bigfanx --
Midwest USA
On Elephant rides off event list at fairs