Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION) Protests Abusive Circus at Nassau Coliseum
(LONG ISLAND) A descendant of Ringling stars Mickey King and Antoinette Concello will be leading protests alongside her anthrozoologist fiancé at Nassau Coliseum March 5th, 2014 starting at 6:00pm.
Protest will continue one hour before each showing until March 10th as well: https://www.facebook.com/
Costumes, a megaphone, and banners will be used to grab the public’s attention and educate them about Ringling’s long history of abuse.
“Wild animals used in circuses are deprived of everything natural to them. Unable to practice even their most innate behaviors, such as roaming and foraging, elephants sway and tigers pace. Circuses tell us these psychotic behaviors are their animals dancing and evidence of a good time, however, the reality could not be farther from the truth,” says anthrozoologist and president of Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION) John Di Leonardo, “Circuses teach domination and conserve only slavery, neither of which we should be lauding.”
“As a descendant of The Flying Concellos, dubbed the most famous aerialist act in circus history, and grand-niece of Art Concello, former circus owner, I am evidence that no longer is this a fringe issue. Scholars , historians, and even former circus families agree, it is high time we see an end to animals in circuses,” says Julie Cappiello, vice president of Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION).
Julie and John of Long Island Orchestrating for Nature (LION), an animal advocacy group who succeeded in the Piccadilly Circus’ cancellation on Long Island last year,will be present at most demonstrations and can be contacted at the numbers at the top of this release for interviews. Hunters and representatives from other groups will also be demonstrating opening night.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum and Bailey Circus was fined $270,000, the largest fine in circus history, due to Animal Welfare Act violations in 2011 and has been documented using bull hooks, electric-prods, and chains on baby elephants. Ringling owner Kenneth Feld has also admitted to their habitual harm in court.
