CIRCUS bears across Russia face daily torment from their handlers including being whipped, electrocuted and force-fed BOOZE to entertain visitors.
Cubs are often snatched from their mothers in the wild before getting beaten into submission for the public’s entertainment – with some turning depressed and snapping in savage attacks.
Russia has been under fire for decades from angry animal rights activists over their treatment of bears in a huge number of despicable circus shows.
Shocking reports from regions such as Crimea have shown the wild beasts being piled with booze and unhealthy snacks until they’re forced to perform for hundreds of people.
As well as being led around on tight leashes by money-hungry trainers during the dangerous show.
They can also be subjected to electrocution and made to stand on burning metal as part of their rigorous, non-consensual training regiment.
When the final curtain falls they are slammed inside tiny cages and often left alone for hours with no food or company.
It’s believed the treatment of these animal circus performers has led to a huge rise in bear maulings.
Performances have seen bears savage trainers in front of screaming children after living a life of agony with joint pain.
A roller skating circus bear stopped mid performance to maul its trainer in front of shocked kids, earlier this year.
Another crazed beast was seen going wild in the Russian circus ring, attacking a man as children and parents fled the tent.
Just a month before, a brown bear attacked a ringmaster after being forced to perform tricks at another cruel Russian circus.
Wildlife experts have slammed the practice of circus bears for decades describing it as “outdated” and “unchanged for hundreds of years”.
The horrific exploitation in circuses in particular has lead to incredible suffering for bears across the globe but especially in Russia where it is rife with animal abuse.
Life for circus bears and other wild animals is miserable inside and outside of the circus ring
Sophie Nazeri
Bears are also often made to dance on command, wearing ridiculous outfits and standing on their hind legs – leading to a range of health issues.
Often this goes on until the bears become depressed – leading to some fatal and grisly ends.
Dr Jan Schmidt-Burbach, Global Head of Wildlife and Animal Welfare Research at World Animal Protection, told The Sun: “Keeping bears in captivity leads to severe cruelty.
“The limited space in cages, poor nutrition, lack of adequate veterinary care, constant stress through forced interactions and punishment if they don’t comply, are just some aspects of the life of a circus bear.”