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12:53 p.m. • 5-22-13

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Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Dragons Circus

Ringling Bros. circus deal offered, animal walk scheduled

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Circus train on schedule tonight

By Sarah Lindenfeld Hall

Posted: February 4

Tags: Activities

I'm getting a lot of emails and messages on Facebook today and the last few days about this, so here's the latest on the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus train heading into Raleigh tonight.

The train, at this point, is on schedule for a 6 p.m. arrival. It likely will unload around 6:30 p.m.

The circus opens at the PNC Arena on Wednesday.

For more information about the circus and train, read this earlier post.

I know lots of readers are very excited about this and lots of readers are very concerned about it. As I said in the earlier post, I welcome thoughtful, helpful comments on the topic.

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http://articles.cnn.com/2011-11-29/us/us_ringling-bros-fine_1_animal-welfare-act-usda-cruelty?_s=PM:US Concidering they were forced to pay over 200,000 dollars for violating the animal welfare act... yeah... no circus for us.

Would rather spend our time at The Conservators Center in Mebane anyway.

pinkuh
February 6, 2013 4:39 p.m.

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itsmebaby, I doubt *very* much that any of the posters have *checked* out this circus, or any other. They are relying on what they've read/heard and join together against them like lemmings. I *will not* boycott it by not going. Yes, I *do* have a choice, Carborro-resident, and I *will* use it.

jma47
February 6, 2013 8:56 a.m.

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I imagine that this popular circus, with all of its media attention and length that it has been in business, is inspected regularly. Having never been to this circus, I haven't idea how the animals are treated. I am wondering if the previous posters here *have*?

itsmebaby
February 5, 2013 7:42 p.m.

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Well, sorry to disagree with some, but the circus has brought many a smile to a child's face, including mine. I don't think they are treated horrible, why should they, it's their livelihood. I'm glad that Raleigh *does not* listen to a small minority of narrow minded people. Most people want it here and will support it or else they would not be here. If you don't want to go, or support it being here, just don't go.

jma47
February 5, 2013 5:29 p.m.

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Please boycott the circus. Remember that you have a choice, the animals do not! Next year, donate to an elephant sanctuary rather than supporting this cruel industry.

Carrboro-resident
February 5, 2013 5:07 p.m.

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I have not ever nor will I ever support NYTHING TO DO WITH THE CIRCUS! some one should shut this junk down once and for all. These animals are horribly abused.

HisLoVe
February 5, 2013 2:06 p.m.

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Well, just left to go to the post office on Beryl Rd and can tell you the train is already here. It is blocking traffic on corner of Blue Ridge and Hillsborough. There were a lot of unhappy campers trying to change lanes. So, if it doesn't move by rush hour, it's going to be an ugly evening.

BELLA28
February 4, 2013 4:31 p.m.

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I agree with ICARE10. These animals are treated horribly, and it doesn't matter how big or famous the circus. I would never pay money to support a circus, which is what you are doing by purchasing a ticket. You are also teaching your children that this lack of regard for the animals is not only OK but FUN. I find it appaling the circus is even welcome to come here.

glo
February 4, 2013 3:38 p.m.

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I am deeply concerned by the City of Raleigh’s decision to bring a circus with performing wild animals to our area. The elephants, big cats, bears, llama’s, zebra’s, primates, and other wild animals who are used in circuses often endure inhumane and abusive training and living conditions. When they are not performing, they spend most of their time in extremely close confinement, chained. These animals have little legal protection at state or federal levels. In addition, performing wild animals pose a real threat to public safety, precisely because they are wild and therefore unpredictable. No amount of training can eliminate this danger. With so many better choices in entertainment, I urge the City and PNC ARENA to sponsor events that do not involve wild animals. The use of performing wild animals can desensitize individuals—especially impressionable children—to animal suffering. And it doesn't teach anything about the lives of these magnificent animals in the wild. Thank

ICARE10
February 4, 2013 3:26 p.m.

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The circus is a terrible display of animal cruelty in exchange for your money.

Think its cute when the animals do their little tricks?? Ask yourself what they went through to do things that are so unnatural?

Pepe Silvia
February 4, 2013 1:13 p.m.

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