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Urge Shriners International to adopt an animal-free circus policy for local chapters

Wild animals used in circuses spend the majority of their lives chained or confined in small cages. With all that is now known about the rich and varied lives that wild animals naturally lead, it is apparent that life in traveling shows is nothing but misery for them. World renowned experts, scientists, conservationists and animal protection organizations are in agreement that elephants and many other wild animals are highly intelligent animals who suffer greatly from inhumane training methods and constant confinement when used in traveling shows. Yet, many chapters of this fraternal organization continue to feature wild animal acts in the circuses they sponsor.

TAKE ACTION
Please add your name today, respectfully urging Shriners International to adopt a humane, modern business model by prohibiting local chapters from using sensitive wild animals in their circuses. Then make sure to share this form with colleagues, friends and family. The more people that Shriner’s International hears from, the more likely they are to adopt this compassionate change.

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Imperial Potentate

James

Stolze Jr.

Shriners International

Dear Shriners International,  

The tide has turned when it comes to wild animal acts. Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus launched a reimagined, animal-free circus with a nationwide tour in 2023. UniverSoul Circus no longer uses animal acts. And, when Royal Canadian Circus transitioned to a show without exotic or endangered animals, they received "94% positive feedback" from audiences in post-show surveys. 

Wild animals used in circuses spend the majority of their lives chained or confined in small cages. With all that is now known about the rich and varied lives that wild animals naturally lead, it is apparent that life in traveling shows is nothing but misery for them. Eleven states and nearly 200 localities across the U.S. have banned using some wild animals in circuses, or the cruel implements used to train them—and more are expected to follow.  

Many Shriners International chapters have responded to changing sentiments by opting out of these cruel acts. There is no better time than now for Shriners to take bold and decisive action to ensure all of its chapters’ fundraisers are humane and appeal to today’s audiences by prohibiting the use of wild animals in circuses and shows.

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