The life of a circus animal is hard and demanding. It is not an acceptable way of life for an animal. Circuses would quickly lose their appeal if the public were more aware of their mistreatments of these animals. Many circuses do not have much money and as a result the animals suffer from inadequate care. These animals spend most of their time in small cages used for transportation. The Animal Welfare Act provides cage requirements, but many circuses fail to follow this law. Even the Ringling Brothers Barnum and Bailey circus was cited for 65 violations over a two-year period according to Florence Lambert. When traveling, animals spend hours, even days between sites in confinement.. A water supply is not always readily available in all locations, leaving many animals with out water. Furthermore, with out water, cleaning becomes a low priority. This is very hard on animals especially elephants who bathe frequently in their natural environment. But, the circus environment is very different from an animals natural habitats. Summer can be hard on animals such as bears, while lions, can suffer more in winter months. Veterinarians qualified to treat exotic animals, are not always present or available. As a result animals suffer and die due to the lack of proper medical attention. Physical confinement is very harmful physiologically and psychologically. The Born Free Foundation conducted a study that found that 22% of the time confined elephants present abnormal action, like repeated head bobbing or swaying. Confined bears spend 30% of their time pacing. Training is another concern. Physical punishment has long been the standard training method for animals in circuses. These methods are simply cruel. They include the use of electric prods, whips, and even some animals especially large cats, have their teeth removed. Bears balancing on balls, apes riding motorcycles, elephants standing on two legs are acts that are physically uncomfortable a...
