Behind the scenes, elephant trainer Tim Frisco instructs would-be trainers how to dominate elephants and make them perform circus tricks. %u201CSink that hook into %u2019em. When you hear that screaming, then you know you got their attention.%u201D An elephant trumpets in agony as Frisco%u2019s bullhook, with its sharp metal hook and spiked end, tears through her sensitive skin. Frisco, a Carson & Barnes elephant trainer, learned the trade from his father, a former trainer for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus.
The fact is, animals do not naturally ride bicycles, stand on their heads, balance on balls, or jump through rings of fire. To force them to perform these uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other painful tools of the trade.
We applaud trapeze artists, jugglers, clowns, tightrope walkers, and acrobats, but let%u2019s leave animals in peace.
Sweden, Austria, Costa Rica, India, Finland, and Singapore have all banned or restricted the use of animals in entertainment%u2014it%u2019s time for the U.S. to do the same.
We the undersigned
I am writing to ask that the USDA immediately seize elephants used in circuses in the United States. Videos released to the public clearly show Ringling employees hitting and whipping elephants, sometimes using sharp bullhooks. This kind of treatment is deplorable and hard to watch. One Ringling Brothers' elephant, Tonka, shows persistent signs of mental distress yet is still forced to perform night after night. Please take the time and effort to stop the abuse in an already dying industry. These animals can be placed in an elephant sanctuary, which are prevalent around the country.
Sweden, Austria, Costa Rica, India, Finland, and Singapore have all banned or restricted the use of animals in entertainment%u2014it%u2019s time for the U.S. to do the same.
Thank you for your time
