It’s farewell to ‘The Greatest Show on Earth’

THE animal protection organisation PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) is delighted that the owners of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus have decided to close it down.

After 146 years in business, the self-proclaimed ‘Greatest Show on Earth’ will be bringing down the ‘Big Top’ for the last time in May of this year and PETA believe that their campaigning which saw the retirement of the entire elephant troop in l 2016 has a great deal to do with the decision.

Circus shows around the world have been removing animals from their repertoires and with the exception of such innovative troupes as Cirque de Soleil audiences for shows without animals have dropped considerably.

A statement from PETA sums up the decision in the following way “As of May, the saddest show on earth for wild animals will end. Thirty-six years of PETA protests, of documenting animals left to die, beaten animals, and much more, has reduced attendance to the point of no return.”

The organisation sees this as a major triumph but will continue to campaign against all use of animals for human amusement such as those seen in marine parks where dolphins and orcas are made to perform.