Here is another great campaign from PETA that makes it easy to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves. This year, Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus will be at Coney Island, depicting live wild animals in cruel, unnatural acts. Among these acts will be perhaps the most offensive of all—the use of the largest land mammals on earth, elephants, in idiotic displays of frivolity and fake merriment.

One of the reasons my mother insisted that we never attend the circus was this very issue—that these wild animals (especially elephants, which were near to her heart) were being forced to do things that they’d never have to do in their natural habitats, which was grotesque, not amusing. I agree; however, my contention lies much more with the way these animals are treated.

Elephants are naturally social creatures who can’t stand being isolated; yet that’s how they “live” when kept in the circus. They are also beaten, screamed at, and whipped with sharp bull hooks that scar them, make them bleed, and even lead to infection. Elephants are highly intelligent, sensitive creatures who do not deserve this treatment. Does any sentient being?

PETA is running a “Look Ringling in the Eye” program right now where advocates of elephants (as well as the other animals the circus continually abuses and makes fun of) can send Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey a loud, clear message: we will not attend their circus—not as long as animals are in the show.

PETA has provided several powerful signs for participants to hold up as they take photographs of themselves, their family members, and their friends to send along with the message. The signs can be printed directly from the webpage—other participants’ photos are all available to look at fir inspiration. Once the photos are taken, they can be uploaded to the same page. PETA will then send the images to the circus, showing them how much the people of this country care about all forms of life—and won’t spend their dollars on forms of entertainment that abuse anyone.

Please consider joining in this super easy and effective campaign. Photo campaigns are becoming a popular, strong way of sending a message due to the immediate visibility and presence of each participant’s face within the campaign. With your help, maybe Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey will finally have that change of heart we’ve been lobbying after for many years.