Circus representatives believe that their animals
are well-treated and is the main reason why millions of Americans attend the
circus each year. "Deaths have been isolated, they say, and it's unfair to penalize
an entire industry for a few abuses. Circuses are already regulated by Federal
Government." (Christian Science Monitor 1). Surveys conducted by Shrine and Ringling Circuses show that animals rank in the 90th percentile for reasons to go to the circus,' says Heidi
Herriott, the circus representative for the Outdoor Amusement Business
Association, a trade organization representing circuses" (Christian Science Monitor 1).
Don Horowitz, a fan from East Hampton, New York, (shown above) spends his time each summer following and supporting the Clyde Beatty-Cole Brother's Circus.
He hands out brochures from the Circus Fans of America, called
"The White Tops" and tries to persuade supporters to sign his pro-circus petition. He talks to circus-goers and tries to convince them that the circus is helping
animals live longer in captivity, than in the wild. He believes that his signs
stand out and arouse the curosity of the media and that his signs, "Open
the door for the media to look at the circus side of the argument" (www.circusfans.org 1).
According to Horowitz, "Protesting against the protestors is not easy...you're out in the blazing sun and you catch a lot of derogatory remarks. I don't enjoy it, but for me it's a commitment to the circus-goers, to the animal trainers and presenters, and to the owners. Sometimes I look back at the big tent and think I want that to be here in the future." (www.circusfans.org 1)
