No More Circuses in America?
 

No Permits for Wild Animal Acts

http://www.humanesociety.org/news/ne...web_id85539248

"More than 40 U.S. cities and 30 countries prohibit the use of wild animals for entertainment purposes"

wow didnt realize that many already do.. so this governor (of Hawaii) is proposing a ban on wildlife for entertainment... could it really reach the federal level?

I wish it would! I don't believe that elephants, lions, and other undomesticated animals should be exploited to entertain humans. Forcing animals to perform unnatural movements, on demand, in a stressful environment, is not entertaining to me.

With acts like Cirque du Soleil, animals don't have to be subjected to abuse and neglect for people to enjoy a great show. Barnum and Bailey are finally phasing out their elephant act by 2016 I believe, and sending their animals to a sanctuary - due in no small part, to public pressure.

Kathy

indeed, i say mister bears forced to wear tutu skirt, birthday hat, and ride a miniature tricycle around in circles, nationwide, cast their vote!

limit circuses to human clowns, acrobats and perhaps the occasional bonafide *domesticated* animal performances (why plunge wild animals into erratic human crowds when there's enuf domestic animals to serve the purpose already as it is?!)

Totally agree with insomniac and neilg. Elephants, tigers, lions, seals, etc. Shouldn't be forced to do dumb tricks for our entertainment. I think animal "entertainment" should focus on education about ecosystems, biodiversity and preservation of species in their natural habitat. I understand some animals must be kept in captivity due to domestication, injury, inability to be returned to natural habitat, etc. Anyway, good for the places banning circuses that exploit animals... Time for circuses to evolve or go extinct.

I agree with the circus bans however this is a slippery slope. Next it will be banning of zoo"s and animal sanctuaries. There are some that do a lot of good some don't. Punish the abusers like circuses not people and places that help. Just my dumb opinion.

THIS. The San Francisco ban (as just one example) bans birthday party programs and extends to reptiles. Fine line between education and entertainment in many cases.

N'thing the whole "it's a slippery slope". Instead of banning them, set some seriously high standards for these people.