Animal Protection Institute
Nicole G. Paquette, Director of Legal and Governmental Affairs
www.api4animals.org

“Animals used in circuses and other performing acts are forced into lives
far different from the ones nature intended. The conflict between their
inherent needs and instincts and the harsh realities of captivity –
including cramped, unnatural living conditions and cruel training methods
that utilize violence, fear, and intimidation – cause wild animals
tremendous amounts of stress and suffering.

“It might be reasonable to assume that legal safeguards would be in place
to protect the animals, which are likely to suffer in captivity. But
while some regulatory protections do exist, these regulations are neither
sufficiently specific nor adequately enforced. These standards are
minimal and don't adequately protect exhibited animals from mistreatment,
neglect, improper handling and training, and other problems associated
with the circus.

“Even more troubling, documents released under the Freedom of Information
Act (FOIA) as a result of litigation reveal that USDA officials have
repeatedly ignored obvious physical trauma to animals, eyewitness accounts
of abuse, and sworn testimony from former circus employees who report
mistreatment of elephants.

“Given the life these animals have to endure and the lack of laws in
existence to protect animals in circuses, API strongly urges you to
support a ban on wild animal circuses in Minneapolis.”
Kim Culbertson, DVM

“Speaking first as a concerned resident of Minneapolis and second as a
veterinarian, I would like to voice my reservations regarding the use of
wild animals in circuses.

“Simply put, wild animals belong in their natural habitats in order to
thrive. In the artificial circus setting, these animals are confined to
small spaces, where it is usual for them to have to eat, sleep, and
urinate/defecate in the same area; forced to consume and artificial diet;
deprived of exercise and interaction with their own species; deprived of
innate behaviors such as hunting and foraging; exposed to inappropriate
climates; exposed to other animals in close quarters, thus increasing
their risk of contracting infectious disease; and trained by various
questionable methods to perform unnatural acts and tricks. I personally
have observed tigers caged in inappropriately small cages during a
veterinary inspection of a traveling circus.

“Therefore, I would respectfully request that the City of Minneapolis lead
the United States to ban circuses exhibiting wild animals.”