Ringling Brothers Circus- The Cruelest Show on Earth

Again, I'm showing another video about the treatment of circus elephants. You don't have to like PETA to realize this is inhumane. Hell...I don't care much for a lot of their tactics, by some of their radical members, but as a whole, they do a lot to expose animal cruelty and help to stop the exploitation. The next time your kids want to go to the circus, remember this video!




From NYDAILYNEWS.COM

The feds have launched a probe of Ringling Bros. after undercover video showed trainers hitting circus elephants with whips and bull hooks.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture said Wednesday it will review footage to determine if "The Greatest Show on Earth" has violated the Animal Welfare Act.

"We take the protection of animals very seriously," said Dave Sacks, spokesman for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, an agency within the USDA.

"We will initiate a thorough investigation and provide the findings as soon as available."

The video was made by a People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals activist who posed as a Ringling stagehand for six months this year.

It appears to show trainers leading the animals toward the stage while striking them repeatedly across the head, legs and body.

PETA - which has accused Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus of mistreating the elephants for years - has filed formal complaints with the USDA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and agencies in seven states.

It also called for Madison Square Garden, which hosts the circus in New York, to cut all ties.

A Garden spokeswoman said executives will "discuss this kind of matter with [Ringling Bros.] directly and not through the media." At Ringling's summer circus in Coney Island, news of the video didn't worry ticket holders.

"They shouldn't be abusing the animals to give pleasure to children - but I saw the elephants. They looked calm," said Laurie Bisco, 55, of New Jersey.

cboyle@nydailynews.com

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/07/23/2009-07-23_feds_promise_probe_into_circus_video.html#ixzz0MEqimHTr

Something to Think About Before You Take Your Dog to the Shelter

The following Blog article was written by my friends at SAVING FURRY FRIENDS
I'd like to thank them for their permission to copy the article here. This is truly an "IN YOUR FACE" and "HITS HOME" article I've read in a long time. I hope you'll take time to visit SAVING FURRY FRIENDS and their BLOG.

So just what did you think would happen to "Spot" if you dropped him off at the local shelter?

First let me start by saying this bulletin contains graphic images. The reason I chose to post these photos are multi-faceted. First I want to clear up any illusions that owners in southwest Va. have, that their precious dog “Spot” will surely find a home the reality is that Spot has less than a 10% chance of getting out of the shelter alive. Despite saving 204 dogs in 2008 our county shelter still had a 90% + euthanasia rate. To say say 20 dogs euthanized does not have the same effect as actually seeing it, being there. My only regret is that many of the folks I reach with this post already know what I am saying. I am preaching to the choir but for those that don't know, are not aware, here's your wake up call.

I chose today to post this after walking into a shelter to find one of the ACO’s in tears. In tears because two dogs that were just owner surrendered never even made it to the kennel area they were immediately taken to the euth room and euthanized as there literally was not a single solitary empty kennel to put them in. I post this for her, for all the people who say they couldn't do her job, for all the people who hate animal control this is a reminder that you are the reason they are needed. For those of you who say animals wouldn't die if it where not for animal control, I ask would it be better for them to die of starvation? be hit by a car only to languish in a ditch for days until death is a welcome relief? There is one person and ONE person only to blame and that is the OWNER.

I also post this for myself. For all the folks who think we try to raise funds too often, for all the folks that expect us to be cheerful as they surrender their pets, for all the folks who roll their eyes when us rescues give lectures on spay and neutering, on behavioral modification to correct behaviors that drove the owner to bring the animal to the shelter in the first place. For my extended family and friends who don't understand why we are constantly stressed but also driven.

I post this for every owner that gets a dog without ever having researched the breed. They have no idea as to the dogs size, energy level or grooming needs. A little research and you would have known that a border collie would not be a good fit in your one bedroom apartment.

I post this for every rescue out there begging for help that falls, many times, on deaf ears.

Many, if not most times, they are the only thing standing between the animals and death.

Most of the time when a plea is sent out about an animal in need many folks are generous with their funds, time and home a great number are saved but a great number are also lost and that is a side many don't see. More than anything this post is for them, in memory of them.

Is This Really Worth It, Just For Your Entertainment?

This is the truth about Ringling Brothers Circus elephants so many families go to see just for the sheer joy and entertainment. Is this REALLY worth it just so you and your kids can get a "thrill"?


Learn more at peta2.com

So you say you LOVE animals? Did you know they are tortured and die for YOU?

If you use household products and toiletries, as most of us do, then you need to know how these products are tested! And we aren't just talking about mice here!

Do you smoke? Do you take medications? Do you use cosmetics? Are you aware that ALL of these tests performed on animals are insignificant to humans, therefore completely unnecessary. There ARE alternative methods for testing products that DO NOT use animals and it’s been proven to be a more accurate method of testing! Let’s put an end to this animal holocaust!



A WORD OF WARNING! Your own pet could end up in one of these testing labs if it ever ends up in a shelter, given away for free, or stolen. Not all dogs stolen are sold for dog fighting "bait"! Testing Labs will pay for dogs...no questions asked, and there are people who know this and WILL steal dogs from yards just for the money!

There are people who watch for ads (especially on Craigslist) listing FREE or cheap dogs and appear to be the "perfect loving family" for your pet. They are very convincing and good at what they do! Always do a home check and ask a LOT of questions to be sure you have found a good home. Get a Vet reference if they claim they just lost their beloved pet. Be vigilant and be aware! If something doesn't "feel" right, don't sell to that person! Go with your gut instincts. Don't put yourself in an "urgent need" situation to get rid of your pet. If you must...There are rescue groups as an alternative.

Most often, if you ask for any amount over $100 (within reason), people who really want your pet as a family member won't object. People who will re-sell your pet to labs don't want to pay that much because they can't make a profit.

People who buy dogs for "bait" MAY pay as much as $300 because they know they'll make that money back if they know they have a winning fighter.

Many shelters sell animals to labs just like this one, but they'll never tell you that!

Chained To You - Dedicated to Shepp

A memorial song for Shepp, a sweet German Shepherd starved to death on the end of a chain which was tightly embedded into the poor dog's neck.

Shepp was rescued by animal protection services in Corpus Christi, USA, September 2008. Sadly Shepp lost his fight for life soon after he was rescued.


JUSTICE for SHEPP

Shepp was a dog that was left for well over a month, to die with no food or water and chained to the extent that his collar was embedded in his skin. No one cared. The neighbors saw him suffering, yet nobody did anything until it was too late. Someone had placed food by him, but by then he was too weak to even get up. Someone contacted (KZTV) a news station that stands up for people and animals alike.


Shepp was taken to animal control were he was cared for by the vets and staff there, I know for a fact, for I was able to see him from behind the glass on Friday afternoon. The tech, vets and staff that were there with him, treating him with such compassion and care. Shepp passed away later that afternoon, which was devastating to the vets and staff.


His will to live was there, he wagged his tail and even tried to lift his head. However his body couldn't take it, due to the extreme neglect he endured for a month. He left this life. (KZTV Action 10 News) has set up a site for Shepp, they will remain attentive to this story.


What is needed is signatures on a petition started out for justice.


In these cases of cruelty it is often difficult to catch and charge those responsible. For one month. Shepp had no food, little or no water. There are many that are in dire need of help and it is appalling how long this went on.


Our VOICE can make all the difference ..


Please take a moment, as hard as it is, please, view the video. It tears me apart, but to bear witness, we shall speak out for those that cannot.


Thank you my dear friends. And please REPOST Shepp's story far and wide. That justice may prevail and to those who stood by and did nothing you must be held accountable as well. For the guilt lies heavy upon you.


Action 10 News
301 Artesian
Corpus Christi, Texas 78401


Telephone (361) 883-7070
Fax (361) 884-8111
Email: news@kztv10.com


I am at a loss to express the sorrow and anger I feel .

I only wonder why and how can people turn their heads and say it's only an animal...


PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION -

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/65/jus...

Shepp's song can be downloaded in aid of Dogs Deserve Better on the link below, just click this link -

http://indiestore.7digital.com/dogsde...


Shepp's page on the Dogs Deserve Better website -

http://www.dogsdeservebetter.org/just...

Pet or Prisoner? NO dog deserves to live like this!

10 years on a chain. No blanket, toy, or bone. Often no clean food or water. AAS first saw her at night, lying in the frozen mud, being snowed and sleeted on. Lying in her own feces, surrounded by her own excrement.





This is NO life for a dog..no excuses!

And You Wonder WHY I say "Boycott China?"