Demonstrators rally against circus
Hayle Hix was one of about 40 people who demonstrated against the Ringling Bros.
BY ANNA DURRETT / REPORTER
A demonstration against the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus was held on the sidewalk outside the Von Braun Center April 26-29. “If it just changes one person, it is worth it,” said demonstrator Sandra Christian.
“For animals in circuses, there is no such thing as positive reinforcement, only varying degrees of punishment and deprivation,” said Mike Cross. “To force them to perform these meaningless and physically uncomfortable tricks, trainers use whips, tight collars, muzzles, electric prods, bullhooks and other painful tools of the trade.”
About 40 people took part in the demonstration over the course of the four days Ringling Bros. held shows. “We have young people up to older people,” said 62-year-old Sandra Christian.
The main visual focus of the demonstration was Ringling’s abuse of elephants. Many of the signs and handouts had photographs of elephants with phrases such as “elephants are beaten” and “a lifetime of misery.”
The organization Huntsville Vegans had a strong presence at the demonstration. “I’m rather shy, but still I will go out if it has to do with animals,” said Christian. “I wish more people would join us and not be afraid to be seen in public.”
On the first day of the protest, a woman from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals joined them and brought demonstration materials. Cross, who helped found Huntsville Vegans in early 2011, said the PETA materials provided the protesters with the ability to reach as many people as possible, since PETA is well funded. The organization Vegan Outreach provided some materials as well. In addition to informational handouts, demonstrators gave out stickers, coloring books and comics.
“People have usually been pretty polite,” said Alexandra Craig. While most passersby who made verbal comments not in favor of the demonstration materials, said a short no thank you, some comments were lengthier.
“Don’t look at the madness,” said a woman.
“I don’t care. I want to go to the show,” said one man.
Another man said, “They’re going to get illegally poached anyway.”
“If you did your research, you would know better, and that we’re not crazy,” said Michael Christian III. In November 2011 Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey paid $270,000 for non-compliance found during inspections and alleged non-compliance of the Animal Welfare Act.
Several families decided not to attend the circus after the demonstrators talked with them. “I explained to them the realities of the circus,” said Baker of her encounter with one family. “They decided they didn’t want to go in.”
Some spectators came by the demonstration and to show their support. “We just stopped by after Panoply to show our support,” said Jason Bryant who was with his daughter. This [Panoply] is family, and this [the circus] purports to be family entertainment, but it isn’t really.”
A woman on her way to Panoply with her children, who identified herself as Cat, loudly cheered on the demonstration and spoke of Ringling’s abuse of animals. “All you have to do is look it up on the USDA’s website,” said Cat. “It’s been going on for years.”
