Earlier this week, I was upset to learn that the Toby Tyler Circus is visiting the Bryce Jordan Center (BJC) this weekend ("Tickets now on sale for circus at BJC," Jan. 29).

Obviously, the Penn State administration has not been informed of the horrible cruelty that occurs in circuses that use animals. Let me educate you. The lions, tigers, bears and elephants in these acts are kept in small cramped cages for the majority of their lives. They are often beaten and shocked by trainers, and they often do not receive proper veterinary care.

As a result of this abuse, many animals lash out violently. There have been countless instances of desperate animals that turn vicious, becoming a threat to any person around them. The Toby Tyler Circus, in particular, has been cited numerous times for animal abuse.

These offenses include failing to provide animals veterinary care, shelter from the elements, adequate food and cages that meet minimum space requirements, among many other horrible abuses.

By allowing the Toby Tyler Circus to perform at the BJC, Penn State is endorsing the abuse of animals.

I plead to the students and faculty of this university to help stop the mistreatment of these animals and to not attend this or any other circus that uses animal acts.