Protesters to Draw Attention to Ringling's Violent Treatment of Baby Elephants
For Immediate Release:
April 5, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Louisville, Ky. -- A giant inflatable elephant will lead PETA members in a protest against the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on Thursday. The protesters will display signs that read, "Free Baby Barack!" alongside banners emblazoned with compelling photos taken inside Ringling's training center. The photos expose how baby elephants used by Ringling are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods. These abusive sessions go on for several hours a day in order to force the baby elephants to learn to perform circus tricks out of fear of punishment. Actor Alec Baldwin narrates PETA's latest Ringling exposé video, which also highlights the circus's abuse of baby elephants.
When: Thursday, April 5, 12 noon
Where: KFC Yum! Center, corner of S. Second and W. Main streets, Louisville
"Children would run screaming from the big top if they knew how baby elephants are violently forced to perform difficult, confusing, and sometimes painful tricks," says PETA Foundation Director Delcianna Winders. "We're telling parents that if their kids love animals, the last place they should take them is the circus."
Late last year, Ringling paid the largest fine in circus history—$270,000—for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
For more information, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.