TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — A traveling circus received some backlash Sunday during a stop in Vigo County.
Animal rights activists organized a peaceful protest against the Zorah Shrine Circus.
Organizers protested against circus animal abuse and are demanding animal-free circuses.
Sandy Jey, protest organizer, said she urges the public to become more aware when buying a ticket to the circus.
“It’s 2021 we as a civilized society should not be accepting animal suffering as a form of human entertainment,” Jey said.
Even with criticism looming around Zorah Shrine Circus, Ringmaster Joseph Bauer believes the turn out has been amazing and he said he’s appreciative of the support they received since they arrived.
We asked Bauer about his thoughts on those who are concerned with animal cruelty at the show and
he said the animals are treated with respect and like family.
“Elephants are part of our family. They’ve been part of our family for many years and the horses are beautiful. The elephants are in great shape,” Bauer said.
Bauer also said after the shows ends animals are taken to animal sanctuaries and he encourages people to come out and judge for themselves.
