A LETTER TO THE EDITOR FROM GORDON TAYLOR

Monday, February 9, 2009 5:15 AM EST

It is a well-recognized, worn-out fact that the letter to the editor "All circus animals are prisoners of profit, cruelty," (Nov. 14, 2008) written by J. Correro, came right out of the animal rights handbook for media use.The comments pertaining to the abuse of the bullhook have always been very easy to imply due to its awesome look, and have been misunderstood by many. The "ankus" has been used for ages by mahouts and is still the best instrument to guide and steer an elephant.Elephants that know people will understand and respond to some 30 vocal commands that are cued extensions to the animals’ natural behavior. Trust between the trainer and his animals is very important. To inflict injury to a valuable animal would not only be foolish, but dangerous and unproductive.Circus animals are governed by the USDA and are subjected to unannounced inspections by both welfare and safety authorities. With the laws and regulations regarding the care of animals, methods such as these mentioned could never be employed.
Many distorted allegations of animal abuse and deaths have been made by the activists’ groups. It is an unfortunate situation that the same attention is hardly ever devoted to the end results of the final inspections. They are dismissed due to the lack of standings. One looming scenario has been postponed nine times by the activists in the last five years, for lack of evidence.The circus has made the greatest strides in working with and understanding these animals and is one of the only places left capable and willing to support this role.The Ringling Bros.-Barnum & Bailey multi-million-dollar complex, which is devoted to scientific study for the breeding and retirement needs of elephants, has experienced more than 20 births within the last 12 years.Currently, the bulk of performing elephants are some 30 years of age. The oldest, which has lived well into its 70s, has been retired. Elephants have the same life spans and reasons for dying as humans.Out of the more than 30 million people who attended circuses last year, 75 to 80 percent came to see and enjoy the animals. The No. 1 attraction was the elephants. You can be assured that the public will be a very good judge to identify cruelty if it exists. The circus has nothing to hide.
Gordon Turner, Albany