Yes, it’s that time of year when the circus rolls into town. This time, however, they’ve changed their name (to escape the bad press of their past) from Clyde Beatty Cole Bros. to simply Cole Bros. Circus.
Why should you care? I asked myself the same question for many years until I inadvertently saw something I just never wanted to see. And, I did a quick online search to discover this particular circus has been cited and fined by the USDA.
I was walking my dog behind a housing area four years ago and saw a trainer using what’s called a bullhook on one of the elephants. It’s basically a long stick with a pointed hook used on the elephant’s sensitive areas to cause pain and result in submission.
The elephant screeched and reeled back from the “trainer.” The image has stayed with me throughout the years and was replayed yesterday much to my horror.
I took photos of a trainer “hooking” a pachyderm before showtime to show her who’s boss. This is a common practice; however I can tell you he was doing it with a level of aggression and gusto no professional handler should exhibit. The poor thing was flat-out being abused.
In an attempt to follow procedure, I contacted the Monmouth County Park System to let them know I would be handing out fliers (at East Freehold Park Showgrounds, Freehold Township, Aug. 29). They graciously provided me with a roped-off area that I laughingly refer to as the First Amendment “box,” which effectively prevented me from handing out any fliers (which were informational in nature only) unless someone approached me directly.
Would you approach a person roped off in a large square holding nothing but a pile of papers? Luckily, the New Jersey Animal Rights Association was able to provide me with signage at the last minute, so at least people could discern my purpose.
Here’s the kicker: directly across the way, a car dealership had a promotional car display set up directly in front of the elephant ride. They had no cordoned off area and were freely chasing people down to make sure fliers were distributed to one and all.
I, on the other hand, could barely reach my arm far enough out to get a flier to anyone. You’ve got to love the twisted values – marketing trumps compassionate stewardship.
Mechele Shoneman
Morganville section
of Marlboro