Tell Staples Center circuses are cruel to animals

In July, Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus will be performing at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Circuses are no fun for the animals who are forced to perform in them.

According to the ASPCA website (www.aspca.org), life in the circus is filled with suffering for many animal performers. ASPCA says:

"Although the issues regarding circus cruelty have gained much-needed attention in recent years, circus animals still suffer from a life of confinement, social deprivation and violent methods of training. In many circuses, animals are trained through the use of intimidation and physical abuse. Former circus employees have reported seeing animals beaten, whipped and denied food and water, all to force them to learn their routines. Animals are taught that not obeying the trainer will result in physical abuse. In the United States, no government agency monitors animal training sessions. Traveling from town to town is also inherently stressful for circus animals - they are separated from their social groups and intensively confined or chained for extended periods of time with no access to food, water, and veterinary care. It's no surprise that many animals suffer psychological effects. Swaying back and forth, head-bobbing and pacing are just some of the stereotypical behaviors associated with mental distress displayed by animals in the circus."

Source: http://www.aspca.org/fight-animal-cruelty/circus-cruelty/about-circus-cruelty.html