Circus Read-A-Thon Materials

[Elyse Orecchio]

Check out how to educate kids on the circus.

WHY FOCUS ON CIRCUS ANIMALS?: As the circus comes to town in many communities across the country, it’s a great opportunity to raise awareness about the cruelty that goes on under the big top. Many students don’t know that animals in circuses are regularly treated inhumanely, and that these animals’ natural behaviors are thwarted when they are forced to perform. By learning about the life of these animals—from elephants and lions to tigers and bears—in the wild, students will be better able to see why it’s inherently cruel to keep these species in captivity as “entertainers.”

[Stephanie Durecko]

What an amazing way to start to teach a human being compassion towards animals..start at the school level. I really think that if issues like this, cruelty to companion animals, the animals of Asia, the Canadian seal hunt and other autrocities, were brought to the minds and hearts of older adults when they were children maybe the world would be a better, more compassionate place. Thanks for contributing to this group...it means alot to me and others that take this cuase very seriously.

[Vladimir]

Resources to provide "humane education" in schools (curriculum materials and teaching aides), should be codified by state law. The connection between cruelty to animals and crime towards humans is well established, and starting humane education programs early in life has been shown to reap rewards. This is the wave of the future for animal welfare. Our state recently passed a humane education initiative, ensuring that funds will be available and curriculums established for elementary school children. To any member reading this: does your state? Contact your legislators!

[Stephanie Durecko]

Excellent start to compassion...I agree that this should be state laws. I will write,email and fax my state reps. This issue is so important. If schools can instill this thinking in children, open their eyes to the plight of abused animals then the first step and the foundation is layed for a better future for animals.