Protesters Draw Attention to Ringling's Practice of Forcing Lame Elephants to Perform Stunts
For Immediate Release:
September 14, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Grand Rapids, Mich. -- A costumed "elephant" will lead PETA protesters on Thursday as Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus prepares for its opening show at the Van Andel Arena. According to veterinary and inspection reports, Nicole and Karen (two elephants who suffer from arthritis and have been lame for many years) and Sara (a young elephant whom 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, which expose how baby elephants are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods in abusive training sessions that go on for several hours.
When: Thursday, September 15, 12 noon
Where: Van Andel Arena, southeast corner of Fulton Street W. and Ottawa Avenue N.W., Grand Rapids
"Grand Rapids 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, such as Nicole and Karen, are still forced to perform painful contortions despite their ill health."
For more information, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.
