Are Animal-Act Circuses Bad for Kids?

A thought provoking op-ed in The Miami Herald (written by a friend) highlights the animal cruelty prevalent in circuses that feature animal acts:

Fear and deprivation are inherent in the training of circus animals. You will not see a circus animal act without sticks, whips, electric prods or bullhooks. Watch for them. They may not be used in public, but they work because the animals have learned, over and over again, what they feel like.

When circus owners and promoters speak of using “positive reinforcement,” they don’t mention that for food rewards to be effective an animal must be experiencing intense hunger. Experimental psychologists know this. Partly because of such training and partly because of neglect, water and food deprivation are common, and death and disease are rampant.

No wonder several countries, including Austria, Costa Rica and Israel, have banned animal acts in circuses, as have a growing number of U.S. cities. Corporate sponsors such as MasterCard, Visa, General Mills and Sears have withdrawn their support.

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has been repeatedly cited by the USDA for physical harm to animals, inadequate housing, failure to provide veterinary care, failure to provide for inspection of animals and records, and unsafe handling practices, meaning unsafe for the public. Good for kids?

Full article here.