Ban the use of animals in circuses

Please ban the use of animals in circuses in the United States. They are held in deplorable conditions, abused during training, denied needed veterinary care and neglected. They are forced to live in tiny cages with no heat or air conditioning (regardless of the natural environment of the animal). Their training consists of being beaten and stabbed with bullhooks and electric shock prods to instill fear. Many animals begin to exhibit the stereotypical behavior of pacing back and forth mindlessly due to being in these conditions. This is not the type of behavior we should condone, as Americans, nor should we teach our children that this behavior is ok.