Animal Cruelty in Circuses

             How many times have people witnessed or heard about animal cruelty? Circuses are one of the many places where animals are treated poorly. One of the many endangered species that are forced to 'join' the circus is the largest land mammal, the elephant. Wild animals, such as the elephant, are taken from their natural habitat to perform uncomfortable tricks for human entertainment. They suffer from the drastic changes in climate, the inappropriate shelters and transportation conditions, and the countless beatings. There needs to be a greater respect for animals, not dominance over animals.
             The Roman Empire was a time period of proving man's superiority. Blatant cruelty was found in their circuses. In 70 amphitheaters, elephants, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses, crocodiles, giraffes, lions, tigers, bears, deer and more were butchered just for the fun of it. 8 thousand animals were killed on the first two days of the opening of the Coliseum in Rome itself. This was only a display of warriors' skills and courage. It was to prove their dominance over nature. These cruelties came to an end around the fifth century A.D (Preece & Chamberlain 9). It only ended because of the fall of the Roman Empire and the economic decline when exhibitions could not be afforded. It was the dark ages for humans, but it was a period of relief and happiness for the animals. However, the excitement of the extravagances spread to other places throughout Europe (10).
             To justify the distinction between Roman circuses and modern circuses, everything but the name is different. The word, 'circus' suggests to the ring in which the events are performed. The modern circus became greatly popular between 1880 to 1920 (206).
             The modern circus actually began in the late eighteenth century. By 1830, travelling circuses with clowns, acrobats and animals were touring England and America. American trainer, Isaac A. Van Ambu...

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