Animal cruelty is something I can’t fathom. Yet, when it’s done for people’s amusement, it strikes an even deeper chord.
As a child, visiting the circus to see animals was a thrill; for many, it’s a rare chance to be near exotic creatures. However, with age, I’ve come to realize that animals deserve to live freely in their natural habitats, rather than being compelled to perform for human entertainment.
This is a troubling tale of a tiger losing consciousness during a circus act in Russia. The incident has triggered varied reactions, with some appalled by the events while others defending the circus trainer’s actions.
The concept of wild animals performing in circuses is contentious, leading many countries to outlaw such practices.
The visuals have incited outrage among animal rights activists, particularly witnessing trainers using prods to coerce tigers to leap through flaming hoops.
In a widely circulated YouTube video, trainer Artur Bagdasarov is seen taunting the tigers as they perform before the audience.
The video captures the tiger’s leap followed by a sudden collapse due to unconsciousness. Efforts are then made to revive the tiger.
This distressing circus episode occurred on September 23, where a Russian troupe touring former Soviet nations claimed the tiger collapsed unexpectedly, attributing it to an accident.
The disturbing footage shows Bagdasarov striking the tiger, dousing it with water, and tugging at its tail in front of a startled audience.
Handler Bagdasarov defended his actions by asserting that he acted swiftly out of concern that the other tigers might attack the weakened animal, potentially leading to a violent outcome, as reported by The Daily Mail.
Watch the video below to witness the event firsthand, but caution as some viewers may find it disturbing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRbT3Rp7bGw
What are your thoughts on circuses in general and the method employed by the tiger trainer in handling a distressing and perilous situation?
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