Oath of God Ministries is against the use of animals in circuses.   This type of entertainment is now dying a slow death.  Mexico City banned the use of all animals in circuses due to cruelty. 

Ringling Brothers is now phasing out their elephant acts but not soon enough.  As the individual states continue to ban the cruel bullhorn and use of chains it’s making it near impossible for circuses to continue using elephants acts.  It is only a matter of time before other animals are freed from similar cruelties.  We found a 2014 list of nations, cities and towns throughout the world that are now banning the use of exotic animals.  In some cities in the United States – circuses are altogether banned.  Please click on the following: Worldwide Summary – Circuses

We thank our State Senators in Massachusetts for supporting both Senate Bill 1801

BillS1801

We thank our State House Representatives in Massachusetts for supporting House bill 1274.

BillH1274

Written by: MSPCA (website)

This bill would prohibit any person who houses, possesses or travels with elephants utilized in traveling shows from using any implement that would result in physical harm or from keeping the elephants constantly restrained by chain or similar device.

Information about this bill

• This bill seeks only to eliminate cruel and inhumane training practices that are utilized against elephants. For example, the bullhook or ankus which is a club made of wood, metal, or other substantial material, with both a sharp steel hook and metal poker at one end is commonly used to train an elephant. Both ends of the device are capable of puncturing and tearing skin. The handler uses the hook end to hit, jab, and poke the elephant in order to dominate over the animal to force it to engage in a desired behavior, such as performing tricks. A handler can also hold the hooked end, and swing the handle like a baseball bat, inducing substantial pain.
• The circus industry claims the bullhook is used “like a leash for a dog” but if an owner were to use the bullhook to control a dog it would be considered animal abuse in every state. This bill will prohibit this painful and cruel device and similar implements that can injure an elephant.
• The bullhook is the most common implement or device used to train, punish, and control elephants. Both ends of the bullhook are used to inflict pain. Forceful use of the bullhook in training sessions is common practice in order to render elephants submissive and to train elephants to perform tricks.
• Chaining is one of the most common methods used to confine elephants in captivity. It severely restricts an elephant’s movements, eliminating her ability to lie down, walk, or socialize with other elephants. The severity of these restrictions can result in neurotic psychological behavior, physical injury, and even the death of captive elephants.

• As a matter of corporate responsibility and consumers’ right to know, circuses must be held accountable to their repeated claims that they do not harm or punish elephants with negative reinforcement. Circuses claim that bullhooks are used only for direction. If the bullhook is used only for direction, then a safe and harmless tool can be used instead – elephant sanctuaries and many zoos use harmless tools, such as soft wands, to direct elephants.

More Information

• Learn more about an animals life in the circus
• Read “The Show Will Still Go On: An Economic Analysis of Passage of Circus Legislation Restricting Training Methods Utilized on Elephants”
• See the vote from the 2013-2014 session
• Find out who represents you at: https://www.wheredoivotema.com
• Join the Animal Action Team to receive news and alerts on legislation