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On October 26, 2002 Ringling Bros. & Barnum and Bailey Circus-goers were confronted by members of Mercy For Animals holding signs decrying the enslavement of animals and a banner reading “Abolish Animal Slavery, Boycott the Circus.” A mobile TV unit aired graphic undercover footage of animal abuse behind the big top. Meanwhile inside, attendees of the circus got more than they bargained for during an afternoon performance at Cleveland's Gund Arena. MFA member Mandie Jones of Cleveland stunned an unsuspecting audience of thousands when she stormed the center ring of the world's largest circus with a banner reading "Ringling Tortures Animals" to protest the circus's long history of animal abuse. Security quickly grabbed Jones and arrested her on charges of criminal trespassing. The disruption grabbed statewide newspaper headlines and focused the spotlight of Cleveland's media on the abuse of animals under the big top when the action climbed to the top story on nearly every Cleveland TV station.

The Ringling Bros. public relations department has been working overtime to deceive the public into believing that animals imprisoned in the circus are "treated like family." However, this could not be further from the truth. According to Henry Ringling North in his book The Circus Kings, early in their training, big cats are "chained to their pedestals, and ropes are put around their necks to choke them down. They work from fear." Bears may have their noses broken while being trained or have their paws burned to force them to stand on their hind legs. Elephants are often chained by both front and hind legs during training sessions, transport, and between shows. Trainers beat elephants with razor-sharp bullhooks to force the animals to perform dangerous and unnatural acts.

Help get animals out of the circus by boycotting those that enslave animals. The exploitation and abuse of animals held captive in the circus will end only when compassionate individuals stop supporting them. Families seeking entertainment can still enjoy the many sights and sounds of animal-free circuses.

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