Last Day To Get Your Elephant Fix

by Adam Bertrand · July 15, 2008

    circus in southamptonThis year, the Cole Bros' annual circus is taking place at the Shinnecock Indian Reservation, rather than VFW Hall, and some (like Dan Rattiner) believe the move was worth making. For the past three years, PETA has ensured that the Cole's animals get at least two nights off -the ones during which the rest of the circus performs in Southampton. On reservation land, however, PETA has no such authority; thus, this year the Coles are bringing the whole shebang.

    Personally, I'm not too keen on circuses -I've seen too many mangy, miserable animals being prodded by desperate, jaded carnies. I've never been to Cole Brothers', but they've been found guilty of animal cruelty multiple times, though none were after 2003. If the animals are treated well, a circus can be a wonderful thing, and it's great that the Shinnecock reservation will benefit, but I don't know that it's right to support an organization found guilty of beating elephants with bullhooks. Those of you who've been to the full show, what do you think? Do the animals look mistreated?