- 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.
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Sources: PETA, Humane Society, Born Free, ASPCA
