Cotton candy, colorful tents, and beautiful trapeze artists. Circuses have been a part of American culture for almost two centuries, and continue to stand as a classic image of family entertainment. Why then, was the ''Greatest Show on Earth'', the Ringling Brothers Circus, penalized by the U.S Department of Agriculture in 2011 for violating federal animal-laws? While the circus might be a grand spectacle for those sitting in the audience, life for the animal performers is far from glamorous. Unlike humans, animals are not willing participants in circus acts. A human performer who is motivated by success, salary or the art of performing chooses to challenge themselves in order to master a skill. It is impossible to motivate animals with anything other than punishment or reward, and unfortunately, it is much faster for circus trainers to use punishments. Tools ranging from whips to electric prods are common means of ''motivation'' for these animals. When not performing, the animals are kept in unclean small compartments with little food and water, suffer from extreme temperatures and are often neglected for long periods of time when not in use for performances. Many circus animals die of heat stroke, exhaustion or dehydration while traveling between cities. The stress of these circumstances and the constant fear and discomfort that these animals face can lead them to have unpredictable behavior and develop potentially dangerous situations for the humans around them. Circus animals are large and powerful, and if caused to feel vulnerable or desperate for an escape from this misery, have been known to injure or kill trainers and audience members. Some circus elephants also carry tuberculosis and are forced to perform regardless, which is a highly contagious, airborne disease, which can be transmitted to humans around them. Circuses which feature only human performers are just as entertaining, and allow audiences to enjoy the excitement of a astonishing show without the burden of animals being abused to entertain them. Many countries including Bolivia, Peru, Croatia, Austria, Greece, Costa Rica, Israel and Singapore have banned the use of animals in circuses. There are many cities and states across the United Stated that has also placed a ban. Please sign this petition to include all the cities in the U.S.