Do You Want the Circus to Come Back to Greenport?

After a was posted on North Fork Patch, several readers commented on how they thought the circus promoted the abuse of animals, some citing recent violations for animal cruelty issued against Cole Bros.

Last summer, the U.S. Department of Agriculture filed charges against the Cole Bros. Circus in regards to the safety and psychological state of two elephants, Tina and Jewell, after members of animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals filed complaints with the USDA. The charges alleged that the circus failed to provide adequate veterinary care to a malnourished elephant, employed handlers who lacked training and repeatedly hit the elephants with an ankus, or elephant hook, during rides and performances.

And, according to a report from the Sag Harbor Express, protestors made their anti-circus views heard when the Cole Bros. set up at the Shinnecock Reservation this week.sponsors the annual North Fork visit from the circus, but a fire department official was not immediately available to comment.

Here are some of the remarks from readers this week regarding the circus. Feel free to chime in the boxes below. 

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“I wish a circus that didn't involve animals (except perhaps dogs, that enjoy performing) was here instead. It is so sad for the elephants especially.” — 

“Abuse is NOT entertainment- but it seem as it is to some.............. poor baby elephants!!! Baby Hugo- only a little over a year old and Vals baby brother.... is the newest addition to Cole Brothers - and touted as the youngest performing elephant. Performing means TRAINING!! And you MUST see how these animals are trained. It is NOT through kindness. So so sad! I hope people watch the video above and realize what is going on. I wonder why the people of Greenport allows this in their community???” — 

"This is horrible that this website is promoting animal torture to give 20 minutes of "cute" tricks to the kids. They should see the abuse and horrible mistreatment of these intelligent animals. This is the slave trade of the animal world and we are allowing it but acting as if nothing is wrong. This publication should be ashamed of itself fro not promoting the truth. This circus has received numerous violations for animal cruelty. Nice going Patch!" —