These Are the Worst of Times for Elephants Beaten by Abusive Exhibitor, Cautions Rock Group
For Immediate Release:
August 16, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Los Angeles -- On behalf of PETA, all six members of venerable rock group Styx—which is scheduled to play the Los Angeles County Fair on September 25—have sent a letter to James Henwood, president and CEO of the Los Angeles County Fair Association, imploring him to cancel the elephant rides to be provided by notorious animal exhibitor Have Trunk Will Travel (HTWT). In the letter, the band points out that video footage released by Animal Defenders International shows HTWT trainers as they shock elephants with electric prods and forcefully strike them with sharp metal-tipped bullhooks, causing the animals—including a baby—to scream in pain. PETA has committed to protesting against the fair on opening day (September 3) if the elephant rides aren't canceled and to maintaining a presence throughout the month.
"Parents and children who attend the fair would be horrified to learn, just as we were, that the fair is supporting cruelty to animals by hosting these elephant rides …," writes the group. "It's hard to watch the video, but it shows that the only way to train a 10,000-pound wild-caught animal to obey a human is through years of beatings and intimidation."
The band is known for such classics as "The Best of Times" and "Lady," among many others, and has produced multiple platinum albums.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.
Styx's letter to the Los Angeles County Fair Association can be seen here.