Sherlyn Chopra Speaks Up for Animals in Circuses

When international supermodel Sherlyn Chopra learned how animal "performers" are beaten and broken under the "big top", she jumped at the chance to pose for a new PETA anti-circus ad. In the provocative pic taken by renowned photographer Rakesh Shrestha, Chopra poses with a whip next to the tagline "Whips and Chains Belong in the Bedroom, Not in the Circus".

Why is Chopra fighting mad? Despite the glittering image projected by circus advertising, performing animals' lives are miserable. Their handlers force them to engage in confusing and unnatural behaviour, such as walking on tightropes, riding bikes, sitting on seesaws and doing other frightening tricks. They don't perform because they want to; they perform because they're afraid not to. Trainers use whips, chains and bullhooks (a baton with a sharp metal hook on the end) to beat animals into submission and force them to obey.

Follow Sherlyn's lead and steer clear of circuses with animals. Write to the Ministry of Environment and Forests and ask them to ban animals in the circus.