The Circus Came To Town!

The animals have mostly gone now as people have turned against their use. I remember travelling, when at work, and passing a place where a circus over- wintered, I remember seeing an elephant grazing in a field. They had some trouble with protesters though. I don't know the current situation but I would presume the animals have gone.

I haven't been to a circus for years although have seen some of the acts you mention Paula, on TV.

I don't remember that specifically but I do remember strong public opinion. Maybe it was what precipitated things

Note that many dont prevent the use of dogs or ponies..

I think the worst sight I ever saw was in France many years ago where the animals were led through the streets ahead of the circus opening, a crocodile walked on a leash in blistering heat and a hippo was in a wagon with bars all round there was no water and it was so small the hippo couldnt turn , it reminded me of a veal crate.

People stood along the route cheering and yelling and some let off fireworks I cant imagine the trauma of those animals, no wonder some crack and turn on keepers.. Better a quick end by the bullet that 20+ years of that.

'We' didn't know any better, but the rotten ********* who owned the animals must have known they were suffering.

I think most of the circuses don't have animal acts anymore. At least i hope so.

We watched a show today that made me rethink how we treat horses. It was an episode of NOVA (since I love PBS!) called "First Horse Warriors." They were talking about evidence of bits being used on horses about 5,000 years ago, and how they could see wearing on teeth and it could be evidence of the bit being pushed out of the way by the tongue. Sounded really uncomfortable for the horse. So not cool! (Someone who owns and rides a horse could probably tell me if I'm way off base, but that was my impression at the time. Makes me think of Temple Grandin imagining what a cow experiences and designing more humane slaughterhouses.)

They talked later in the show about the freedom gained by the people who first tamed horses to ride them, and I thought about that freedom being won at the cost of the horse losing its freedom... Why are we so mean to animals? Why do we only think about ourselves?

I know little about horses so someone here will maybe update on this but I have heard of something called a 'bitless bridle' which is better for them. I don't know how much either type is used though. It really would take a 'horsey person' to know the facts. Horses are sociable animals who are happier with their own kind, and well as liking friendly human company.