THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, February 2, 1996 TAG: 9602020004
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 36 lines
As the education manager of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), I was alarmed to learn that teachers at Strawbridge Elementary School in Virginia Beach plan to take children to a performance of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Undoubtedly, other local schools have similar plans.
The mother of a Strawbridge kindergarten student has already expressed concern about the field trip, the harmful message it would teach children about animals and the danger to children from captive wild animals, especially elephants. Her concerns are certainly valid.
I have been flooded with phone calls from irate parents whose children left the circus in tears after witnessing animals being beaten, prodded and forced into performing. The Vancouver Province reported that one little girl cried, ``Mommy, Mommy! The kitty's being burned!'' after she saw a tiger catch on fire while jumping through a flaming hoop.
It is important for children to learn about other animals' natural traits, abilities and behaviors. But what are children really learning at the circus? We know bears don't naturally ride bicycles, big cats don't jump through hoops of fire and elephants don't do headstands. These animals perform only after their bodies and spirits are broken.
BOBBI A. HOFFMAN
Education manager
People for the Ethical
Treatment of Animals
Washington D.C., Jan. 24, 1996 by CNB