Following Years of PETA Action, Pittsburgh Shrine Chapter Nixes Animal Circuses

For the first time in 60 years, Pittsburgh’s Syria Shriners won’t force elephants, camels, or any other animals to perform or give rides—because the group just announced an end to its annual circus! This victory follows years of PETA protests and e-mails from thousands of our supporters. The Syria Shriners have finally recognized the public’s growing opposition to animal acts, and the chapter joins the many others that have already ditched the shows. It’s time that Shriners International took a stand against these cruel acts.

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind