Advertisement Animal rights group asking public to boycott circus in Birmingham Central Alabama Animal Rights and Protection has 4 protests planned for this weekend Share Shares Copy Link Copy

The Ringling Brothers Circus is performing at the Legacy Arena at the BJCC through Sunday and a local animal rights group is planning to protest.Central Alabama Animal Rights and Protection is organizing several protests for this weekend’s performances. Founder of the group, Beverly Malloch, said they’re asking people to boycott the circus over Ringling Brothers’ abuse of animals.Ringling Brothers has been the focus of criticism over the years for its use of animals in its circus acts. The company announced recently that it was ending its elephant act in May because of heavy scrutiny from the public.Malloch said the move is a step in the right direction, but it’s not good enough in her opinion. She said the company’s treatment of all its circus animals is disturbing. "Wild animals do not perform tricks for treats. They are forced to perform unnatural tricks through violence and intimidation. Not only that but they live 90 percent of their lives in cages while they travel with the circus 10 months out of the year," Malloch said. Malloch said she would like to see all animals removed from the circus. “Humans are willing performers they enjoy what they do. Animals are not. They are forced performers, and we need to make a change about that,” Malloch said.CAARP is planning to protest Friday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.Malloch said these will be peaceful protests, they simply want to get the message across that only humans belong in the circus.