Ban Circus Animals in Austin: Austin Can Stay Weird AND Be Cruelty Free.

A recent Austin, Texas news article read " Shrine Circus brings smiles to the Lone Star State." But it seems like the reporters weren't paying close attention, because it wasn't all smiles and laughs at the Shrine Circus that passed through Austin a few weeks ago.

In fact, aside from the obvious and certain trauma that the circus animals endured. Several people — opposed to the use of animals in entertainment — came out to protest against the visiting big top.

At the heart of the protests was the fact that activists didn't believe the spectacle would honor the city's 2015 citywide ordinance against bullhooks — heavy rods with a sharp metal hook on one end that are used to force elephants to perform. Protesters contended that, while one might not see bullhooks used out on the stage, they were surely being used behind the scenes.

While bullhooks bans have been passed in several municipalities and a few states including California and Rhode Island, they are only a minor step towards protecting animals in entertainment. It still allows for cruel and unnatural circuses to continue — albeit with the slight veneer of less cruelty.

Nearly two and a half years ago, Austin officials saw fit to ban these tools of cruelty, but it is now time to take the next step and ban circus animals all together. The animal entertainment industry uses living sentient beings as tools, and fools circus goers by selling the experience as fun, when it is anything but.

It's time Austin join Boulder, NYC and others in banning the display of animals in circuses altogether.  

Please add your name to the petition and lets tell Austin officials to end circuses in their city. Austin can still stay weird while being cruelty free.