Saturday, September 8, 2007

The Sept. 2 KidsPost story about the upcoming appearances of Cole Bros. Circus and Big Apple Circus presented only a positive view of these supposedly entertaining events.

Both Cole and Big Apple feature animal acts. I would suggest that any coverage by a balanced newspaper such as The Post include a description of the abuse of animals by circuses using animal acts that has been documented by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Circus animals are dragged about the country in miserable, cramped transport cars and cages. They are forced to learn and perform tricks by the use of food deprivation and often painful prodding with instruments that can cause injury.

They often endure illnesses without proper veterinary care. Sick animals are sometimes even forced to perform.

Most children are natural animal lovers. Informed of the pain and misery that circus animals endure, they would probably be the last to want to watch animal acts.

-- Alice P. Lindsay

Chestertown