For Immediate Release: April 14, 2005

Contacts: Mercy For Animals 1-866-MFA-OHIO

ALADDIN SHRINE CIRCUS UNDER FIRE FOR CRUELTY TO ANIMALS

Charities Bump Heads Over Use of Animals in Circus Acts

Columbus, OH - Holding signs depicting an elephant shackled in chains that declare “Cruelty is Not Entertainment,” and “Abolish Animal Slavery, Boycott the Circus” members of the Ohio animal rights organization Mercy For Animals (MFA) will confront attendees of the Aladdin Temple Shrine Circus. An activist wearing an electronic “body screen” TV will show shocking undercover footage of circus trainers beating and shocking elephants into submission.

Date: Friday, April 15

Time: 6 p.m. - 7 p.m.

Location: Ohio Expo Center’s Main Entrance, 717 E. 17th Ave, Columbus

MFA wants circus-goers to know that animals used in circuses live a dismal life of domination, confinement, and violent training. Trainers beat, shock, and whip captive animals to make them perform ridiculous tricks that they cannot comprehend. Animals enslaved in circuses are deprived of their most basic needs to exercise, roam, socialize, forage, and play. Stereotypical behaviors such as swaying back and forth, head-bobbing, pacing, bar-biting, and self-mutilation are common signs of mental distress. In addition, laws protecting animals in traveling shows are inadequate and poorly enforced. The Animal Welfare Act establishes only minimum guidelines, and even these meager standards are often ignored.

"Animals imprisoned in the circus are not volunteers. They have been deprived of their precious freedom and beaten for a lifetime of cheap tricks," says MFA Director Nathan Runkle. "Shriners can easily switch to humane fundraisers that don’t involve cruelty to animals."