Band Donates “Whip It” Song Royalties to Save Circus Cats

The members of eighties musical icon Devo recently announced they are donating royalties from the band’s 1980 hit “Whip It” to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ (PETA) new campaign aiming to free captive circus animals from Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. “As Ringling Bros. relies on the fear of whips to force lions and tigers to perform, Devo is pleased to make a grant to PETA from the royalties of ‘Whip It’ for their campaign to free big cats from this abuse,” the band said in a statement. “We hope that all circuses will continue to evolve by spotlighting human creativity rather than degrading animals.” The animal-rights organization’s efforts come two months before the circus company says it will retire elephants from its shows to its sanctuary, citing mounting public pressure concerning animal welfare.