Animal Activists Protest Ringling Bros. At Barclays

Is 'The Greatest Show on Earth' actually the cruelest?

Animal rights groups plan to protest the circus in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, claiming that the traveling show causes distress and suffering to its four-legged performers.

Animal Defenders International (ADI), along with other groups, is urging families to stay away from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus during its 12-day stint at Barclays Center, alleging that abusive methods are employed to train the animals—such as stun guns, whips and bulhooks—and that animals are not socialized. The activists will rally outside the venue, handing out pamphlets and calling upon coordinators to create future animal-free acts like Cirque du Soleil.

“Keeping wild animals like lions, tigers, bears and elephants chained and shut in small spaces, then beating them to perform tricks for human entertainment shames us all,” said ADI Campaigns Director Matt Rossell in a release.

The group is also requesting that Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz cancel his event proclaiming March 20-April 1 “Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Days” in Brooklyn.

Protesters plan to gather at 6 p.m. outside of Barclays Center at 620 Atlantic Avenue.

What do you think, readers? Are you a fan of the circus or do you think performing animals are mistreated? Share your thoughts in the comments below.