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Central Valley Animal Liberation

We Choose Because They Can't!

by Combined sources (MikeRhodes [at] Comcast.net)

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:24AM

Fresno Voices for Animals held a protest at the Ringling Brothers circus in Fresno. Pictures and report from the first day of protests.

WE CHOOSE BECAUSE THEY CAN'T!

On Wednesday, July 14 we had our debut action with great success!

Outside of Selland Arena, surrounded by a force of security staff, event staff, and Fresno Police Department officers which outnumbered us 2-1, we educated the public about the inhumane torture that is common practice at Ringling Bros. circus. English-speaking media refused to even accept a press packet with documentation of our claims.

But who cares! Our message was heard and received. It was powerful to see a father and son watch video of 'training' and turn around to walk away. After reading our literature, Circus goers actually got up out of their seats and left the 'show.' Others tried to cash in their tickets and were told that there were no refunds. Others, told us this was the last Circus that they would go to now that they knew what goes on behind the scenes. I'm sure the children who had balloons with an anti-abuse message ripped from their hands by event staff don't think that it is the 'greatest show on earth.

' Much thanks to all who came out to support!

Please join us for the:

SEND 'EM OUT OF TOWN RALLY!
Saturday, July 17, 2004 2:00 pm and 6:00pm
Selland Arena (M St. between Inyo St. and O St.)

See SF Bay IMC coverage of Wednesday's events:

'Circus Animal Torture Demo in Fresno', Dallas Blanchard: http://www.indybay.org/news/2004/07/1688879.php

'Are They At It Again?: Ringling Bros. Undercover Security', FVA: http://www.indybay.org/news/2004/07/1688887.php

In Struggle, Nicholas DeGraff
Fresno Voices for Animals (FVA)
(559) 213-2042

Fresno Voices for Animals (FVA): was formed by Fresno residents who have become increasingly concerned with the torture and violence perpetrated toward animals who are imprisoned for entertainment. Fresno Voices for Animals is a non-violent advocacy group that works to extend justice to our non-human friends. 'We Choose Because They Can't!'

§The slave trade is alive and kicking

by Combined sources (MikeRhodes [at] Comcast.net)

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:24AM

Photo by Mike Rhodes

§The Fresno Police Department arrive on the scene

by Combined sources (MikeRhodes [at] Comcast.net)

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:24AM

Photo by Mike Rhodes

§Help me!

by Combined sources (MikeRhodes [at] Comcast.net)

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:24AM

§Free Speech dispute

by Combined sources (MikeRhodes [at] Comcast.net)

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:24AM

Attorney Bob Navarro negotiates with police over where the protestors can hold this event. Ringling Brothers representatives wanted the protestors removed. The police pointed to a line on the sidewalk where they wanted the protestors to move. Since the City of Fresno owns both the sidewalk and the convention center protestors questioned the arbitrary line in the sand. (photo by Genie Baranof)

§Circuses are no fun for animals

by Combined sources (MikeRhodes [at] Comcast.net)

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:24AM

§Nick DeGraff is interviewed by Univision ch 21

by Combined sources (MikeRhodes [at] Comcast.net)

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:24AM

Photo by Genie Baranof

Add Your Comments

Comments (Hide Comments)

§"I love Fresno!"

by forage

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 8:54AM

I love reading about the events going down in Fresno.

From standing on the corner to disrupting the circus, you all seem to really shake things up in Fresno!

Thanks for going out and changing people's minds.

Sounds like the circus could use some protesting roadies.

§The Time is Coming

by bonobo

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 6:13PM

Not to hurt our humble brethren (the animals) is our first duty to them, but to stop there is not enough. We have a higher mission--to be of service to them whenever they require it... If you have men who will exclude any of God's creatures from the shelter of compassion and pity, you will have men who will deal likewise with their fellow men.
--Saint Francis of Assisi (mystic and preacher)

Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man.
--Arthur Schopenhauer (philosopher)

"If a man aspires towards a righteous life, his first act of abstinence is from injury to animals."
--Albert Einstein

The thinking [person] must oppose all cruel customs no matter how deeply rooted in tradition and surrounded by a halo. When we have a choice, we must avoid bringing torment and injury into the life of another...
--Albert Schweitzer

For more information: http://circuses.com

§I don't know much about circus animals, but

by human companion

Thu, Jul 15, 2004 6:47PM

I live with dogs. I know a lot about them. They *love* to perform tricks. It gives them a great deal of pleasure. They think it's fun.

What about that?

§slave farmworkers

by **

Tue, Jul 20, 2004 10:47AM

There are lots of human slaves around the world, and some in the US. It was clearly documented that some immigrants were being used as slaves in tomato fields in Florida. maybe there are some near Fresno too?

§Wild Animals suffer in the circus

by Jen Adams

Mon, Oct 18, 2004 9:05AM

Hi- Dogs are not wild animals like an elephant, tiger or lion. They are domesticated. Wild animals suffer horribly in circuses and are electricuted & whipped to perform their tricks. Tigers who have a natural fear of fire are forced to jump through hoops of fire and sometimes on accident get burned. This is not right. The laws are SO waek for wild animals in the circus. If what is done to elephants was done to our cats and dogs atleast there would be a hefty fine or possible jail-time. Elephants should be treated humanely and not hit with bull-hooks and electricuted to perform a trick such as an elephant standing on her head. Elephants are chained 23 hours a day by 1 front leg and 1 back leg unable to turn around or lie down in trucks. My dog loves tricks too but she is domesticated, I can easily take her for long walks and I don't need to abuse her and I dont need to carry a whip or bull-hook with me. Thanks

by jenny

Mon, Oct 18, 2004 9:10AM

Hi- Animals should not suffer in traveling circuses and suffer abuse. I believe people and animals should BOTH be treated humanely. In a civilized society both should be treated humanelyThankyou

§"Dogs are not wild animals like an elephant, tiger or lion. They are domesticated."

by human companion

Mon, Oct 18, 2004 9:11AM

Domesticated dogs are not wild. Wild dogs are not domesticated. Domestication is not a matter of species, but of circumstance.

§Circus abuse not right

by Jody Williams

Mon, Oct 18, 2004 9:38AM

Hello-To the persons response about domestication just being about circumstance and not about species is absurd. To say that a lion is truley domesticated is untrue. I am a biology major and my proffesors would laugh at this comparrison that a dog or a lion are both truly domesticated depending on circumstance!! Domestication has taken thousands of years for species such as dogs. Clearly no matter what you want to call it , domestication or not--A lion is a lion. A lion is a wild animal. But again call it whatever you want but whips and electricity are used on wild animals in the circuses and this is not right.

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