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11 Facts About Circus Animal Abuse

Circus animals have the right to be protected and treated humanely under the Animal Welfare Act.
Tigers naturally fear fire but they are still forced to jump through fire hoops in some circuses.
Less than 100 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspectors are assigned to monitor the 12,000 circus-related facilities in America.
Trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks, and other painful tools of the trade to force animals to perform.
In more than 35 dangerous incidents since 2000, elephants have bolted from circuses, run amok through streets, crashed into buildings, attacked members of the public, and killed and injured handlers.
Every major circus that uses animals has been cited for violating the minimal standards of care set forth in the United States Animal Welfare Act.
On average, circuses travel about 48 weeks per year.
- Circus animals spend an average of 26 hours in cages, during transport.
Virtually 96 percent of a circus animal’s life is spent in chains or cages.
Since 1990, there have been over 123 cases of lion attacks.
Repetitive and often destructive behaviors such as obsessive swaying, bobbing, chewing, sucking, weaving, rocking, and licking are common in circus animals, and are manifestations of their extreme stress and boredom.
Because of their forced immobility, circus animals may develop arthritis or other joint problems.