Posted March 7, 2012 by Sunny Subramanian
In advance of the Ringling Bros. circus’ stop in Baltimore later this month, Jada Pinkett Smith, a proud native of Charm City, has written to Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake urging her to make sure that the city’s absolute ban on the use of any “mechanical, electrical, or manual device that is likely to cause physical injury or suffering” to induce or encourage an animal to perform is enforced, according to Baltimore City Health Code § 10-407(a), to prohibit Ringling from using bullhooks on elephants.
In her letter, Jada explains, “Unlike me and other actors, elephants do not choose to perform. They are often violently coerced by Ringling’s trainers with bullhooks, which are jabbed into the sensitive areas of their bodies.”
Using bullhooks on elephants in Baltimore would be against the law—not that the violation would be a first for Ringling, which was slapped with a record $270,000 fine for abuse of animals in circuses, stemming from dozens of violations of the Animal Welfare Act all the way back to 2007.
Avoid all circuses that use elephants and other animals, and urge your family and friends to do the same. Click here for a list of animal-free circuses.
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Well let's just say life ain't always beautiful but it's a beautiful ride. I love all my pets and would do anything for them. I have one dog, two cats, a ferret and my babygirl shaymin,(the cutest hedgehog alive) I'm into all different kinds of music. I'm a singer myself and love art.
439 days ago
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I already loved her and now i love her even more!
440 days ago
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How about asking that, not only does Ringling Brothers avoid the use of all cruel devices on their animals, suggest that Ringling Brothers not come to Baltimore at all. If that’s just “too much” to ask for, suggest a boycott of this circus, Jada. You have much more pull than many of the people out there!!
440 days ago
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I am so DAMN sick of the abuse of Animals. The human race is really making me sick.
440 days ago
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its sad to think that all those little kids are being mislead about what they’re seeing, animals aren’t treated they way trainers will say they are. it’s so wrong