Protesting the Circus

Long time HSUS hero, Rep. Jim Moran (D-Va.), is the sponsor of HR 3359 that would prohibit animals from participating in traveling circus acts. The bill is cosponsored by Rep. Bill Young (R-Fla.).

K Street Files: Protesting the Circus
By Kate Ackley Roll Call Staff KateAckley@rollcall.com @kackleyZ

The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is in town, and so are animal-rights activists who are planning demonstrations outside of the Verizon Center starting today.

The wild animals on the circus circuit suffer from “confinement, physical and social deprivation, arduous journeys, brutal control methods and physical violence,” said a press release from the group Animal Defenders International.

But Ryan Henning, the circus’ assistant animal superintendent, said the animals receive the highest level of care “24-7.”

“We always invite everybody to come and see the show, up close and personal with the animals,” Henning said. “They can see how well all the animals are cared for.” full story