Another circus bear has been beaten

Bears Continue to Suffer in Russian Circuses — They Need Our Help Today! Sign Now Dear friends, A shocking video appeared online showing a Russian circus bear attacking one of its trainers at a traveling circus in the city of Olonets. The video begins with the bear — leashed and muzzled — forced to stand unnaturally on its hind legs and pushing a wheelbarrow towards one of its handlers in the ring. When the bear and its handler meet, the handler encourages the bear to follow him as he circles the ring by touching its muzzle. Then, predictably, the bear attacks. The attack is accompanied by the sound of screaming children as parents look on in shock. The other handler in the ring then runs over to the rightfully enraged bear and begins kicking it in an attempt to save his companion. Watching the bear go from a docile prop to powerful wild beast in a matter of seconds should serve as a reminder that these animals are not pets and should definitely not be used for human entertainment. This bear has no idea why it is being forced to do these ridiculous tricks. And when it fought because it was unable to cope any longer with this servitude and mustreatment, it was beaten as punishment. It seems like every year, somewhere in Russia, a trainer is attacked by a circus bear. Yet neither the circus nor government is willing to step in to help keep their citizens or animals safe from harm and cruelty. These types of incidents will continue to happen until using animals in circuses is banned worldwide, especially in Russia, where these types of shows are pervasive. Bears, like other animals, are not entertainment. They have their own will and desires and deserve to live a life free from cruelty — preferably in the wild where they belong. These types of shows reduce a living, breathing animal down to an object that can be forced to do as we wish. It's not only cruel; it is wrong. Let's call on the Russian Government to ban these dancing bear shows nationwide. They are cruel and belong in the past. Tell Russia we are watching their treatment of animals, and we don't approve. Thank you,   Kelsey B. The Care2 Petitions Team P.S. A bear forced into a circus performance got fed up and fought back, only to be beaten. Sign the petition to demand an end to animals in the circus!