FWS: Don’t Allow Ringling Bros. to Ship Tigers to a German Circus!

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus recently applied for a permit from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ship eight of their tigers to a circus in Germany.

These tigers have already suffered horrific abuse and exploitation. According to an article published in the Dodo, they have spent most of their lives in intense confinement in tiny cages. Some endured cracked paws and pressure wounds from life on a concrete floor. They were beaten with whips and prods, and showed signs of mental distress such as pacing and obsessive grooming.

In the German circus, it is likely that life would not improve for these poor animals. Animals at the Zirkus Crone, where the tigers would be shipped, live in unnatural and unjust conditions, and reportedly suffer from ailments such as arthritis and mental illness.

After spending years being carted around in cramped transport cages for 50 weeks of the year, it's time for Ringling and trainer Alexander Lacey to let these tigers live out their lives at a reputable sanctuary where they can experience the space, habitats and peace they need and deserve,” said Stephen Wells, executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund.

It breaks my heart that these tigers have never been able to experience natural lives and have instead endured years of physical and psychological torment for human profit. Please sign this petition urging the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service not to allow Ringling Brothers to ship their tigers to Germany where they will endure further abuse. With enough public pressure, we may be able to prevent further exploitation of these animals and ensure the possibility that they may live the remainder of their lives in accredited wildlife sanctuaries.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service: We request that you do not allow Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus to ship eight of their tigers to a circus in Germany. These tigers have already suffered horrific abuse and exploitation. These animals have spent most of their lives in intense confinement in tiny cages. Some have endured cracked paws and pressure wounds from life on a concrete floor. They were beaten with whips and prods, and show signs of mental distress such as pacing and obsessive grooming. In the German circus, it is likely that life would not improve for these poor animals. Animals at the Zirkus Crone, where the tigers would be shipped, live in unnatural and unjust conditions, and reportedly suffer from ailments such as arthritis and mental illness. “After spending years being carted around in cramped transport cages for 50 weeks of the year, it's time for Ringling and trainer Alexander Lacey to let these tigers live out their lives at a reputable sanctuary where they can experience the space, habitats and peace they need and deserve,” said Stephen Wells, executive director of the Animal Legal Defense Fund. It is heartbreaking that these tigers have never been able to experience natural lives and have instead endured years of physical and psychological torment for human profit. We request that Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus send these animals to accredited wildlife sanctuaries, and that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service encourage this decision. [your comments] Thank you for your consideration. Sincerely, [your name]
Update #16 years ago
Thank you so much for signing this petition to prevent Ringling Brothers from sending their tigers to a German Circus, and instead encourage that these tigers be sent to accredited wildlife sanctuaries. Your signatures and comments have been delivered to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Please continue to share this petition to gain even more signatures in favor of protections for these animals. I will keep you updated on any developments. Thank you again!
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