PETA Says President Has Failed to Order USDA to Confiscate Crippled and Beaten Elephants From Circuses
For Immediate Release:
October 18, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Washington -- Brandishing a sign that reads, "Mr. President: Tell the USDA to Confiscate Beaten Circus Elephants," PETA's enraged "elephant"—who, although often mistaken for a Republican, doesn't belong to either party—has been dogging President Barack Obama at his public events and will continue to follow him to events around the country. PETA is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty and confiscate elephants used in circuses who are trained, disciplined, and punished with bullhooks (heavy weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp steel hook at the end) in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
So far, PETA's elephant has followed the president to Miami; Denver; Cleveland; Madison, Wis.; Hempstead, N.Y.; and Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Keene, Calif., among other cities.
Last year, PETA's complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000. Cole Bros. Circus also recently paid a fine to settle numerous violations of the AWA.
"The government has taken an important step by fining these cruel circuses, but now it must confiscate the lame, overworked, and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to urge the USDA to take action—and on parents to keep their children away from the circus."
Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting healthy vegan eating. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.
Photos and video footage PETA's campaign are available. For more information, please visit PETA.org.