Animals no longer forced to join the circus in China

China recently took a giant step in showing that their circus may just be “the greatest show on Earth”. China has banned the use of animals in circuses. They’ve also implemented new regulations to prevent animal cruelty in zoos. The Telegraph reports that:

The ban will also force zoos to stop selling animal parts in their shops and zoo restaurants will have to stop serving dishes made out of rare animals, another widespread practice.

Similarly, zoos will no longer be able to pull the teeth of baby tigers so that tourists can hold them and will have to stop attractions where live chickens, goats, cows and even horses are sold to visitors who can then watch them be torn apart by big cats.

It’s shocking that these things were allowed to happen and so often, but I’m thrilled that they’ve finally put an end to it. Unfortunately, there’s still a long way to go. Animals shouldn’t be in any circus. They should be free and in the wild, not in captivity forced to do unnatural “tricks”.

(Images clickable straight to source: Newser.com)

21 January 2011 / Animals
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  • http://slewinca.livejournal.com/ Lauren

    That pic at the top is pretty shocking. o_O
    When I saw it, I was like, “What the hell?!” it took me a couple seconds to realize what they were having those animals do. That’s ridiculous and awful; that horse looks freakin’ TERRIFIED. >.<

    Anyway, this news comes as HUGE surprise and shock to me. I had no idea that China was even CLOSE to doing anything like this. I knew they were trying to get pro-animal legislation passed, but it wasn't going too well, last I heard. I'm really happy and surprised about this, and I hope that they can keep it in place.

    The part about what the zoos did is pretty sick and disgusting, btw. :S

  • http://slewinca.livejournal.com/ Lauren

    Oh, I’m dumb, that pic was part of the “feeding attraction.” Ugh, how sick, and you can see children in the audience! >.<

  • Eva

    Thanks for commenting, Lauren! When I first saw these photos I really didn’t know what to think. These stories and photos are some of the worst I’ve ever heard about animals in circuses. I’m so so happy they’ve completely put a stop to it. All the articles I read even said that it looks as though everyone is following the rules!

    I don’t know what you mean about the “feeding attraction”. I think that was mostly when they tossed live chickens into areas with big cats. I think those horses were part of the “trick”… that a tiger/lion is riding on a horse. Those poor horses! I bet they had those claws in their sides many times, too, because I’m sure the cats were terrified, too. Yes, and those kids! SO glad this is over!

  • http://sweetelitescupcakes.blogspot.com/ Sweet Elites Vegan Cupcakes

    So sad : (

    Why do people find this entertaining?

  • Eva

    Sweet Elites Vegan Cupcakes – I’m hoping that less and less people are finding things like this entertaining and even more bans on such events will take place soon.

  • Misty :)

    Wow, this is really sad!! I had no idea they treated animals like this in circuses! I can honestly say, I have never been to one and I don’t ever feel the need to go to one! Hell, when I went to the zoo over the summer with my family, that made me really sad! I can’t stand the idea of animals being held in captivity! Its cruel and unnatural! I really hope they start to ban things like this all over the world and even in the US.

  • Eva

    Misty – I knew it was bad, but I didn’t know there were tricks like the ones mentioned here, either. It bothers me when people say zoos are educational when, as it’s clearly shown here, they are far from it. I’m glad you hope so, Misty.. I do too! This is a giant step forward so I’m thinking more and more people will open their eyes soon enough.

  • http://www.sabrinasabino.com sabrina

    I’m glad they’ve put an end to that. I’ve lived in China for several years and I haven’t really been exposed to much animal cruelty in the part of China that I was at. But I’ve heard a lot about it. But that said, let’s remember also that it’s always only a group of people that supports this. Lots of Chinese are generally against animal cruelty.

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