OPINION: Circus-goers can see for themselves the humane treatment of animals

As potentate (president) of New Mexico Shriners, it is my honor and privilege to share some insights with you regarding Shriners International and our passion for community support.

Shriners International was created 150 years ago and was established in New Mexico in 1887. The Shrine Creed states that “We believe that care for the less fortunate, especially children who suffer from burns and crippling disease is our institutional calling … As individuals we pledge ourselves to integrity, virtue and nobility of character. Our intentions will be honorable, our relations will be trustworthy and our spirits forgiving of each other … As Shriners we look beyond ourselves to serve the needs of others, especially children who cannot help themselves.”

Per that creed here at New Mexico Shriners our community’s trust in our organization is one of our top priorities. Because of this we always welcome constructive dialogue from our fellow New Mexicans.

As you, our community, is aware, the 72nd New Mexico Shrine Circus will be held this coming weekend. The circus is a major fundraiser supporting the New Mexico Shrine Center’s operation costs. As such it is important to us that our event partners exhibit traits and behavior that we ourselves value as human beings including showing compassion to both people and animals.

Our partner, the Jordan World Circus, exhibits these traits through the opportunities they give talented aerialists, jugglers, human performers and the way they take care of their animal acts.

Over the years, the format and acts have changed over time. This year’s animal acts include two elephants, pony rides and dog acts. As Shriners, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of morality and will always follow and support the laws of the land.

Therefore, we are confident in the humane and ethical treatment of animals in the Jordan World Circus.

Our partners at Jordan World Circus do not have tigers or lions in cages and you will find neither animal in the New Mexico Shrine Circus coming this weekend.

We are excited to welcome Albuquerque to another exciting and successful performance this weekend and encourage all of our audience to not only join in a show that benefits the work New Mexico Shriners has done for over 60 years and continues to do, but to see for themselves the ethical and humane standards that our partner the Jordan World Circus holds itself to in the same degree we hold ourselves to these standards as New Mexicans.

I’d like to thank the community for its dedicated and unwavering support of the Shrine in the important work that we do. We are always open to healthy and positive dialogue in regard to increasing fundraising efforts and look forward to even more engagement with the community to make New Mexico and the world a better place for us all.

We are anticipating a great turnout this weekend and hope to see you there. For more information, please visit nmshrinecircus.com.