POLL: Is it OK to Visit the Cole Bros. Circus?
The show is coming to Watkinsville next week, but some people are concerned about its treatment of animals.
This video purports to show a Cole Bros. Circus employee hitting an elephant in Massachusetts in June 2011.
Videos (1)
Videos
The Cole Bros. Circus comes to Watkinsville Sept. 17-19, but not without controversy.
Animal rights group PETA recently announced that the show has agreed to pay a $15,000 penalty to the USDA over violations regarding the treatment of large animals, particularly elephants.
Some Oconee Patch commenters have urged residents not to attend the show.
"I could never have fun knowing that the elephants I love were trained with cruel and abusive methods just to entertain me," wrote commenter Ellie.
Do you agree with Ellie, or are animal rights groups getting out of hand? Let us know how you feel about the circus in the poll and comments below.
Kristin Tunley-smith
6:11 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
In this day and age, we don't need animals to entertain us in a circus. It's so medieval.
Sabrine
6:13 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
I totally agree with Ellie, it's cruel and inhuman to earn money while someone else is suffering, shame !!!
Lisa birka
6:43 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
There is no place for animals in modern circuses. It is impossible to accommodate all of their basic needs. It is cruel and barbaric
Florence Eaise
7:18 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
im so happy to see that everyone thus far is in agreement that animals are NOT here for our entertainment and there is NO place for animals in circuses!
Athens Mama
7:33 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
JUST SAY NO TO CIRCUSES WITH ANIMALS! Support other organizations like Cirque de Solei....
Racer X
7:51 am on Saturday, September 15, 2012
What about Cavalia? My family and I have seen it twice and it is AWESOME! Plus, we were allowed to see where the horses are kept and they are very well taken care of.
colleen lewis
7:35 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
Animal circus is a cruel life, the only time out of small cages to perform unnatural stupid tricks for equally stupid people. And then there's the methods used to "train" them, provoking, prodding, hurting...wrong, so wrong. As is rodeo, any "entertainment" that uses animals is sick.
LH
9:12 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
it is NOT entertaining to see animals exploited.
Kristee
9:22 pm on Friday, September 14, 2012
Circuses are cruel, they should be banned completely.
Christina Williams
9:29 am on Saturday, September 15, 2012
Couldn't agree more Ellie! Anyone should visit the Dept of Ag and research every circus they think is ok before attending..just because the animals "look" cared for people need to remember the circus owners are NOT going to have the animals in view of the public in dirty stalls etc. and the public does not see how these animals are "trained" for their entertainment. It's inexcusable and deplorable and as you and others have posted - there is nothing entertaining about abuse.
Fran
11:19 am on Saturday, September 15, 2012
Regal animals like tigers, lions and elephants do NOT belong in a circus. Period.
John B
11:28 am on Saturday, September 15, 2012
Would never advocate abuse of an animal under any circumstance. That said, I'm not an advocate of PETA and their terroristic organization. I won't patronize the circus for the same reasons many of you mentioned here but I want to make it clear I do not support PETA in any fashion.
Ellie
1:28 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2012
The community needs to remember you don’t have to be a member of PETA or any group to recognize animal cruelty and speak out against it and You did.
These circus animals need all the help they can get, thanks for speaking out about the inhumane lives these animals live.
Erin Young
7:56 pm on Saturday, September 15, 2012
go to the ZOO if you want your kids to see wild animals.
mike smith
7:21 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Not all circuses are bad! Yes there are many that need to be disbanded but a lot of circuses DO treat their animals humanely. Cavalia is one of them! Don't go to the extreme and hate on ALL circuses. Look at each circus group and decided for yourself instead of grouping all into a category of hell based on one or two circuses.
Cj Ellie
8:45 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Ringling Bros Circus, Carson & Barnes Circus, Kelly Miller Circus, Cole Bros Circus, Have Trunk Will Travel, Tarzan Zerbini Circus, George Carden Circus, Shriner Circuses, UniverSoul Circus all of these circuses use exotic animals performers in their shows. Sadly more circuses than not use wild animals in their shows. Cavalia seems to be an exception.
Racer X
9:25 am on Monday, September 17, 2012
Mr. Smith, I believe you are correct.
Patricia Bacon
9:08 am on Tuesday, September 18, 2012
Circuses need to done away with. The "exotic animals" need to go to sanctuaries of which there are many who will put these animals in environments appropriate for them. To keep them in zoos and circuses is cruel..comparable to prison.