The C&M circus is infamous for animal cruelty. They have run afoul of the Animal Welfare Act and have  recently been cited by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for “willful neglect and disregard” of animal welfare. Though the inspector had determined that C&W’s license should be revoked, the judge suspended it temporarily.

It’s time for the horror to end for the animals of the Culpepper and Merriweather Circus. Please join me by signing my petition and demanding that they stop using animals in their acts.

Circuses—traveling circuses in particular—simply cannot provide for the emotional and physical needs of captive animals. When not performing unnatural stunts, most circus animals spend almost their entire lives confined in cramped transport carriers, standing in their own waste. The head-bobbing, pacing, circling, and swaying they exhibit are mental symptoms of the distress of confinement, crushing boredom, and inability to engage in natural behaviors. One frequently sees this behavior in zoo animals as well. According to C&M personnel, the circus goes to a new town every day for 32 weeks, from March to October.

Animals are “liberated” from their extreme confinement only to perform stunts in the ring for spectators’ “entertainment.” The industry reassures the public that it uses positive reinforcement on the animals. Yet, during shows, audiences watch as big-cat trainers crack whips while cats do tricks. No matter how they’re marketed, whips and hooks are not positive reinforcement. They serve as continual reminders to the animals of what could happen if they don’t comply.

Surely we aren’t so desperate for an hour’s worth of entertainment that we’re willing to condemn animals to entire lifetimes of mental and physical suffering, or that we’re willing to teach children that it’s okay to exploit animals for our fleeting pleasure.

Tell The C&M Circus that you are not okay with this type of behavior! You can take action by signing this petition. Let’s put an end to the unnecessary suffering of circus animals, one circus at a time.