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No animal deserves to be tortured or harmed for entertainment. Wild animals in circuses and other traveling acts are forced to perform confusing and painful tricks through violence and intimidation. When not performing, the animals are caged or chained for long periods of time, resulting in psychological stress that manifests in repetitive, abnormal or unnatural behaviors (known as "stereotypic" behaviors) like constant swaying, pacing, and even self-injury. (Footage obtained by APNM shows a Shrine Circus elephant chained at its Albuquerque circus venue in 2017, demonstrating this stress-induced behavior—see it here.)
Circuses that exploit wild and exotic animals are a poor example for our communities—but the good news is they are becoming increasingly unpopular. Years of ticket-sales slumps and pressure from animal advocates recently let to the Ringling Brothers Circus retiring their elephant acts, and other circuses that still use wild animal acts are feeling the pressure to follow suit.
Nonetheless, circuses that still cruelly use elephants and tigers in their acts come to New Mexico every year.
Cities and counties across the United States—including in New Mexico—are passing ordinances to prohibit circuses and other traveling acts featuring wild or exotic animals. These ordinances provide communities with the opportunity to host only cruelty-free circuses, setting a good example for children and others across the country.
Please show your support for proposals to prohibit circuses and other traveling animal acts in New Mexico, by signing and sharing this petition. By rallying support for this cause, we can make a difference to the wild animals currently suffering under the big tent.
Please share with anyone else who might be interested in signing this petition.
Want to do more? Visit apvnm.org/action >>