February 16, 2007 

To the editor:

Your glowing promotion of the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is puzzling given its dismal treatment of animals. As a matter of fact, although the results have yet to be released, we know that the USDA launched five separate investigations of Ringling as a result of complaints filed by PETA over the last two years. People who worked for Ringling are coming forward to report that animals are being whipped and beaten, living in chains, transported in filthy boxcars, and suffering from injuries, illness, fear, and loneliness. These brave whistleblowers describe elephants who are so terrified of the trainers that they begin urinating, defecating, and trumpeting in fear at the sound of their voices.

People are turning their back on such egregious cruelty. The number of animal-free circuses has exploded in the past decade, clearly reflecting the public’s wish to support such productions. Visit www.Circuses.com for more information.
 

RaeLeann Smith, Circus Specialist
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals
501 Front St.
Norfolk, VA 23510
757-622-7382, ext. 8105