Protesters Draw Attention to Ringling's Practice of Forcing Lame Elephants to Perform Stunts
For Immediate Release:
April 26, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Charleston, W.Va. - A giant, inflatable "elephant" will lead PETA members in a protest against the arrival of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus on Wednesday. Wearing a headdress that reads, "Ringling Beats Animals," the "elephant" will represent animals who are abused by the circus. According to very recent veterinary and inspection reports, Nicole and Karen, two elephants who are suffering from arthritis and have been lame for many years, and Juliette and Sara, young elephants Ringling has failed to treat for chronic lameness, are forced to perform grueling and painful tricks in the circus's shows. The protesters will also display photos taken inside Ringling's training center. The photos expose how baby elephants are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods in abusive sessions that go on for several hours.
Where: North corner of Quarrier Street and Civic Center Drive, Charleston
When: Wednesday, April 27, 12 noon
"Charleston residents would run screaming from the big top if they knew that elephants used by Ringling suffer a lifetime of abuse," says PETA Director Delcianna Winders. "As infants, elephants are torn away from their mothers and beaten into submission—and older, arthritic elephants like Nicole and Karen are still forced to perform painful contortions despite their ill health."
For more information, please visit PETA.org.