Letter: Stop cruelty by boycotting circus

Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002 | 8:55 a.m.

I would like to respond to your Jan. 16 article regarding Kenneth Feld, owner of Ringling Brother Circus:

He was quoted as saying, "You do not get an 8,000-pound elephant to do something against its will."

Unfortunately the elephants are not given choices to do or not to do tricks. It's done with dominance, fear of punishment, bullhooks, whips, electric prods and other "devices" used on the animals to let them know who is in control. Sadly enough the elephants aren't allowed to make choices, only perform and make money for their taskmasters.

So many of us look forward to the day these atrocities stop. Don't buy a ticket to the circus the next time it comes to town. We, as parents and individuals, have the power to bring this cruelty to an end. It's the least we can do as a compassionate society.

LINDA FASO

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