Physical punishment has always been the standard training method for animals in circuses. Animals are beaten, shocked, and whipped to make them perform—over and over again—tricks that make no sense to them. The AWA allows the use of bullhooks, whips, electrical shock prods, or other devices by circus trainers.

How are circus tigers trained?

4. They're trained through punishment and food deprivation. Circuses easily get away with routine abuse because no government agency monitors training sessions. Trainers drag big cats by heavy chains around their necks and hit them with sticks.

Are animals tortured in circus?

In circuses, elephants and tigers are beaten, hit, poked, prodded, and jabbed with sharp hooks, sometimes until they're bloody. Parents planning a family trip to the circus often don't know about the violent training sessions that animals endure, which can involve ropes, chains, bullhooks, and electric shock prods.