Oscar nominee Casey Affleck teams up with People For the Ethical Treatment of Animals for a PSA video about the cruelty of circuses.
The “Manchester By The Sea” actor asks families to avoid circuses like the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey on behalf of PETA. Recently Barnum & Bailey announced its closure.
Affleck, 41, explains to viewers how most circuses keep their big cats in tiny cages, “I choose to work in the entertainment industry, but animals in circuses and other travelling shows are never given a choice,” Affleck says.
“This industry tears families apart and subjects individuals to a life of torment and deprivation. [Trainers] drag the big cats around by heavy chains or ropes around their necks and hit them with sticks, poles, and whips. They beat them mercilessly and bully them into jumping through hoops,” he added.
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Affleck has partnered with PETA a number of times, including speaking out on saving bears and asking owners to keep their dogs indoors during the cold winter months.
The actor will take a break from his animal activism to attend the Academy Awards this Sunday, Feb. 26 as he is up for Best Actor for his role in “Manchester By The Sea”.