Monday, August 5, 2013

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR--

Circus people love and depend on their animals

From: stltoday.com
St. Louis Post-Dispatch
by Elizabeth Herring  •  Brentwood
August 05, 2013
(Tiger exhibitor for circus has terrible animal-care record
Regarding “Group to protest UniverSoul Circus, claims mistreatment of animals," July 23)
In response to the letter from PETA ("Tiger exhibitor for circus has terrible animal-care record," July 29), I would like to go on record to tell what I know about animal treatment in circuses.
First of all, I have grown up knowing, loving and respecting animals. I have worked with dogs, horses, cats and birds and found that kindness and mutual respect is the key to training animals. As far as circuses go, I spent several years in Ringling Brothers Circus as a dancer, and an elephant and horse rider. I knew and observed trainers of these animals as well as trainers of dogs, lions, tigers, seals and monkeys. I found they treated their animals with understanding, patience, respect and reward, never punishment.
Circus people live with their animals. They are part of their families. They love and depend on them for their livelihood. The animals themselves enjoy performing. They understand applause. It makes them know they are loved and appreciated. I know only too well that there are people who abuse animals, but they are not to be found among successful trainers and are not tolerated in any worthwhile circus.
Elizabeth Herring  •  Brentwood

No comments:

Post a Comment