DON’T LET THE CIRCUS INTO YOUR TOWN!

TELL THE EVENT MANAGERS THAT YOU WON’T STAND FOR ANIMAL EXPLOITATION!

Most people concerned about animal welfare know that traditional circuses are bad news for the animals involved for three main reasons:

1. The animals are raised in an un-natural environment, live in cramped quarters, and travel excessively;
2. The methods used to "tame" these wild animals are questionable at best and many times constitute abuse and/or neglect;
3. The children (& adults) exposed to the humiliating exploitation of these noble beasts see animals as objects which can be manipulated and used for human entertainment and pleasure – not a good message to be sending. Disrespect and desensitization to animals’ needs and suffering result.

Please write to your local stadiums, arenas, and other venues that host circuses and tell them you won’t support this type of offensive event. Also, write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to express your displeasure at this type of "family entertainment" being offered in your community.

August 2, 2000

Patrick Lynch
General Manager
Los Angeles Sports Arena
3939 S. Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA 90037

Re: Circus

Dear Mr. Lynch:

I was dismayed to learn that the Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus will be hosted by the Los Angeles Sports Arena for the next four days. The Sports Arena is supposed to represent and support family entertainment and activities – not animal abuse and exploitation.

Traditional circuses exploit their four-legged, involuntary "performers" in ways that are indecent and unnecessary. It is offensive to think of young, impressionable children packed into the Arena to watch these beautiful and noble beasts, deprived of natural living environments and beaten into submission, dancing, riding bicycles, and performing similarly ridiculous stunts. This type of objectification cannot help but lead to a disrespect for animals and their rightful autonomy by the children who witness these acts.

Please reconsider hosting such an unfavorable and offensive spectacle. Until the Los Angeles Sports Arena no longer represents the abuse and exploitation of animals in its exhibitions, my family and I will not attend any of its events. I hope that we will soon be able to again patronize your venue.

Thank you for your attention to this important matter, and for your consideration on behalf of animals.

Sincerely,

Christina J. Johnson
123 Main St.
Long Beach, CA 90001