Protesters Draw Attention to Ringling's Violent Treatment of Baby Elephants
For Immediate Release:
July 13, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
San Diego -- 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, "This Is Ringling Baby-Elephant Training," 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.
When: Thursday, July 14, 12 noon
Where: Valley View Casino Center, Sports Arena Boulevard. and Hancock Street (on the sidewalk on Sports Arena Boulevard, beneath the neon sign), San Diego
"San Diego residents 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 Director Delcianna Winders. "We're telling parents that if their kids love animals, the last place they should take them is the circus."
For more information, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.