Yesterday, I blogged about PETA releasing photos and videos that reportedly showed mistreatment of baby elephants by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus employees.
PETA has also been protesting at elementary schools before the circus comes to town, trying to encourage students and parents to stay away. It took an Ellie mascot with a bloody bandage to August Circle Elementary in Greenville, So. Carolina in early February. Ellie handed out activity books and talked to the children about Ringling Bros. treatment of its elephants. Ellie has also appeared at elementary schools in Nashville, Tenn., Tallahassee, Fla., Orlando, Fla., Fort Myers, Fla., and Washington, D.C.
Ringling Bros. has released a statement in its own defense. The statement read in part “Because animals are an integral part of what we present to our audiences. Ringling Bros. provides the highest standards of care to our animal performers 365 days a year. Our staff consists of animal experts who devote their lives to living, working, and caring for animals.” The statement also pointed out that Ringling Bros. exceeds “all federal animal welfare standards,” which are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Ringling Bros. has also tried to do other things to protect animals. It opened the Center for Elephant Conservation in Florida, which serves as a place for breeding, research, and elephant retirement. The company rescues dogs from shelters to use in dog performances and has breeding programs for endangered species, including the Bengal tiger.
I am really torn on this one. I certainly don’t condone animal cruelty, but I also have fond memories of visiting the Ringling Bros. circus as a child. I also feel that, while PETA is successful in protecting animals, I don’t always agree with their often radical methods. With a little one in kindergarten, I don’t know that I would be happy to hear that Ellie showed up at his school.
Whose side are you on?
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