Animal suffering should never be passed off as entertainment!

Behind the colorful lights and dramatic music of many traditional circuses lies a disturbing truth: elephants, tigers, and other animals are forced to perform through fear, intimidation, food deprivation, and intense pain.

In addition, there is a hidden message that is sent to everyone who sees these shows.

“The circus teaches people that domination is entertainment, and cruelty is normal; that’s a dangerous message.”
— Melya Kaplan, VFTA Founder

🔍 The Truth Behind the Tricks:

• Animals are trained with bullhooks, whips, and electric prods

• They’re confined in small cages and trucked across the country

• They perform under threat of pain, not joy or excitement

• They suffer behind the scenes so crowds can be amused

When people see an elephant forced to dance or a tiger jump through fire, they are learning to ignore suffering and to celebrate control.

That’s not education. That’s indoctrination.

🙌 The Good News: People Are Saying No

Over 150 U.S. cities and counties have already banned or restricted animal performances. Humane circuses with incredible human performers are now more popular and drawing larger audiences!

But some circuses still cling to outdated cruelty:

🎪 Circuses Still Using Animals

1. Carden International Circus
   Features elephants, horses, camels, dogs, and small cats. Multiple USDA citations for inadequate care, enclosures, and health risks (e.g., tuberculosis) 
   
   
2. Carson & Barnes Circus
   Leases elephant acts, including performances with Jordan World Circus. Subject to over 100 USDA violations related to inadequate space, veterinary care, and shelter 
   
   
3. Franzen Bros. Circus
   Uses elephants and ponies despite past incidents and citations for emaciation, neglect, and unsafe performance environments
   
   
4. Jordan World Circus
   Still holds elephants, camels, bison, ponies. Notably, elephants have escaped due to abuse and poor containment. Animal acts leased from Carson & Barnes
   
   
5. Loomis Bros. Circus
   Features elephants, tigers, zebras, camels, ponies, and is linked to known animal abusers 
   
   
6. Tarzan Zerbini Circus
   Known for chains and bullhook use. Several elephants have tested positive for tuberculosis; cited for poor enclosures and lack of perimeter fencing 
   
   
7. Shrine Circuses (organized by Shriners International)
   Many chapters still use elephants, tigers, camels, etc., despite ongoing PETA campaigns, documented abuse, and safety incidents
   
   
8. Culpepper & Merriweather Circus
   Faces USDA license suspensions and citations for neglect, lack of vet care, and poor animal welfare 

It’s time to say: NO MORE!!

📣 What You Can Do Right Now:

✅ Boycott animal-based circuses

✅ Share this article with family, schools, and community groups

✅ Write to each of the circuses that are still using animals and ask them to stop immediately! Please send a copy to the mayor/elected officials in each city where they perform, reminding them of the incredible cruelty that animal-based circuses promote and the dangers associated with this message.

✅ The animals need YOUR voice! Support VFTA's work to end animal exploitation

💡 Let’s Teach Compassion, Not Cruelty

At VFTA, we believe the values we model today shape tomorrow’s world.

If we want children to grow up compassionate, empathetic, and kind, we must reject entertainment built on the backs of suffering animals.

🎪 Let cruelty retire. Let kindness take center stage.

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