THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, February 29, 1996 TAG: 9602290008
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 29 lines
Animal-welfare groups around the country receive many reports of abuse and mistreatment of circus animals during training and transportation. Circus animals are housed in small, cramped travel cages; they are transported to hundreds of cities a year and are forced to perform frivolous, unnatural acts.
We all grew up with circuses and carnivals in our lives and never knew what went on behind the scenes. We now know and must take responsibility for industries we choose to support. Circus officials will tell us their animals are treated well and do not suffer. That's like the fox guarding the henhouse. We must listen to animal-protection experts.
Hampton Roads offers so many wonderful educational and entertainment opportunities for our children. We don't need to support animal abuse and mistreatment to show our children a good time.
V. A. KURTZHALTS
Norfolk, Feb. 15, 1996 by CNB