Stop Circus Suffering

ADI is delighted to hear that the ban on wild animals in circuses in Plymouth, Massachusetts will stand, after the local Kiwanis Club announced in a public letter that they have withdrawn their petition to rescind the prohibition (Article 35).

This welcome news comes as ADI and local advocates were gearing up to defend the ban that passed in a 72 to 47 vote by the Town Representatives on April 5, 2014. The Plymouth Kiwanis Club, who had begun the process of attempting to overturn the ban, has for several years brought the Cole Bros. Circus with its exotic animal acts to town.

Ahead of the April vote, ADI, working closely with local resident Kati Carloni, had provided Plymouth leaders with a review of the scientific literature which reveals that, even with the best of intentions, the traveling circus cannot provide an environment that meets the basic welfare needs of exotic animals.

ADI applauds the Kiwanis Club for their decision that is in the best interest of both animals and the community. Moving forward, ADI encourages Kiwanis to explore the many options which do not involve the use of performing animals to fulfil their important philanthropic goals.

Studies of the use of wild animals in traveling circuses show that circuses cannot meet the physical or behavioral needs of wild animals. Animals are confined in small spaces, deprived of physical and social needs, spending excessive amounts of time shut in transporters. These animals are often seen behaving abnormally; rocking, swaying and pacing, all indicating that they are in distress and not coping with their environment. ADI’s video evidence has shown how these animals are forced to perform tricks through physical violence, fear and intimidation.

Take action!

• Help ADI secure a US-wide ban on the use of wild animals in circuses
• Find out how you can stop circus suffering where you live
• Support our global campaign to end circus cruelty – Make a donation today