Kelly-Miller Circus: Pascack Valley's Shame

I am greatly disappointed in the Bergen County YJCC, Washington Township, NJ.  At at time when The Humane Society of the United States, the ASPCA, the Born Free USA foundation, and other well-respected organizations have ALL spoken out against the use of wild animals in circuses, the YJCC continues to host the Kelly Miller Circus.

Even if no abuse violations are cited, the elephants, tigers, and other wild animals suffer a lifetime of misery in the circus.  The animals endure endless hours with no natural light, concrete enclosures, chains, oppressive close confinement, and social isolation as they are shipped from town-to-town, year-after-year.  They are subjected to continuous fear, depression, and anxiety as they perform unnatural tricks under hot, bright lights and large crowds, all for our entertainment and amusement.  

The training that the animals endure as babies is cruel.  The methods include bull hooks, ropes, whips, chains, and more, to control behavior and movement through fear and intimidation.  In the natural world babies would bond and play under the care and nurture of their family units.

I honestly can't believe that I am writing this blog today.  The year is 2014! Are we not better than this?  Isn't it time that we evolve, that we teach our children empathy and compassion, rather than cruelty and heartlessness?