Don’t Force Elephants to Perform

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/opinion/dont-force-elephants-to-perform.html

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To the Editor:

Re “Saving Elephants, Ennobling Albany” (editorial, May 10):

Kudos to the students of the Pace Environmental Policy Clinic, Assemblywoman Amy Paulin and State Senator Terrence Murphy for their efforts on behalf of elephants.

Although Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has removed elephants from its traveling performances, numerous other circuses continue to bring shackled elephants into New York State to force them to perform under the constant threat of physical punishment.

UniverSoul Circus recently performed in Queens, and Carden Circus International will perform for Shrine circuses across the state starting this week. Both outfits have a documented history of featuring animal handlers who have been cited for failing to provide adequate veterinary care to elephants and for endangering the public.

The New York Legislature should do the right thing and seize this important opportunity to put an end to the cruel, outmoded and dangerous practice of forcing elephants to perform.

DELCIANNA J. WINDERS

Academic Fellow

Animal Law & Policy Program

Harvard Law School

Cambridge, Mass.