I belong to the American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS), an organization that has been around since 1883. While the society began by protesting the use of live animals in research, it has expanded to educate people on humane alternatives and to remember that other species feel pain, fear, and suffering.

Obviously people have cared about the conditions of animals from the beginning of human/animal life. We must be hard-wired to have compassion. Unfortunately, some people and societies have a short circuit. There are still horrible people who enjoy cock fighting, dog fighting, bull fighting and circuses that use animals. I always want to challenge them to at least fight their own kind if they have to fight. We do have sports for that, so why do some cultures continue their stupid, idiotic cruelty?

Today I am going to focus on one antiquated event: circuses.

Although circuses look harmless and enjoyable to the public, what goes on behind the scenes is not nice. Elephants should not spend a great deal of their lives shipped around, confined, and trained with shock sticks and rods. Elephants belong in Africa and India, roaming around the jungles in their highly intelligent groups. If they do work, at least they have an individual to care for them and get plenty of exercise.

I once took part in a protest of a circus in my town and a woman said to me, "Let the children enjoy themselves." Is that what the Romans said about lions killing people in the Coliseum? Surely, we have evolved a little more than that. Or have we?

Why not let the children learn that a circus with animals in it is not right and to have compassion. There are many other events a kid would like. It is the parents who tell children they have to go to the circus, that they will love it. Do you really think a child can't have a happy life without going to a circus? The same goes for Donkey basketball or rodeos — anything that abuses and dominates another species.

I think this cruelty could stop with mothers and fathers who finally stand up to those who think up these events, and say no way; we'll think of a better way. I know all the violence against animals in cultures is due to male testosterone, but it doesn't have to be. Most men hate cruelty and take part in sports with other men.

So do the least harm and do not attend any of the events using animals. I suppose horseback riding could be an exception, but I certainly oppose the use of race horses and dogs in racing. What do you suppose they do with them when they can no longer run? You won't like what goes on off the track.

I paraphrase Zoe Weil, education director of the AAVS in her article for the AV magazine, 2010, issue 1: If we use the MOGO principal, which means Most Good, it reduces our self-righteousness and cultivates humility. By committing to doing the least harm we become better people. Ms. Weil has a new book out called, Most Good, Least Harm. You can buy it by going to the AAVS website (www.aavs.org), by calling them at (215) 887-0816, or you can ask your librarian to buy it.