The Jordan World Circus is coming to town. With a long and horrific history of negligence, mistreatment and violent behavior toward the animals in their care, the Jordan World Circus had their license as an animal exhibitor revoked in 2010 by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, yet they are still able to bring and exploit lions, tigers, bears, elephants and other animals to venues across the U.S.

According to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), to bypass the inconvenience of losing their exhibitor’s license, the Jordan World Circus simply is able to lease animals from other unscrupulous exhibitors, such as Carson and Barnes Circus, who also have a disgusting history of animal abuse and neglect, with over 100 violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Animals that are forced to do tricks and stunts for human amusement suffer mental and physical trauma. Animal trainers and associated operators assure us that the animals in their care are trained with positive reinforcement, but don’t be fooled. If this is true, then why do you see the trainers with bullhooks, electric prods and whips in their hands? Behind the scenes these magnificent and majestic animals are beaten and abused into submission to perform senseless and inhumane stunts and tricks, such as tigers jumping through hoops on fire, dancing bears and elephants standing on their heads.

As most circuses operate the majority of the year, these animals are deprived of socialization, stimulation and physical exercise. Animals entrusted in the care of the Jordan World Circus will never experience something as simple as running free as they were meant to be. Transported thousands of miles annually, elephants, lions, tigers, bears and other circus animals are confined to small, inadequate cages.

This is totally unacceptable and in the year 2017. It is way past time to evolve, and put circus animal acts into the history books. As Albert Schweitzer once said, “Until he extends his circle of compassion to include all living things, man will not himself find peace.”

In 2014 Clatsop County voters approved a ban for the use of bullhooks, electric prods and whips on elephants, felines and primates in Clatsop County. Let us take this one step further to ban circuses that continue to allow cruel animal acts in their venue. Please show your support by not attending the Jordan World Circus.

Stacey McKenney

Astoria