Chronic Federal Law Violators Ringling Bros. Circus Arrives, Group Holds Opening-Day Protests
For Immediate Release:
October 17, 2011
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Cleveland -- PETA is offering a reward of $500 to any employee of Quicken Loans Arena who catches any employee of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus using a bullhook—a sharp metal-tipped rod that resembles a fireplace poker—or any similar weapon on the circus's elephants. Ohio law prohibits the use of any prods on elephants in circuses, and while PETA will be monitoring Ringling's arrival in Cleveland for violations of this law, circus staff—previously caught violently striking the animals and hooking them so hard that it caused scar tissue—handle elephants out of view most of the time.
When: Wednesday, October 19, 12 noon and 6 p.m.
Where: Quicken Loans Arena, E. Fourth Street and Huron Road, Cleveland
The group will hold demonstrations outside the Quicken Loans Arena on Ringling's opening day. Led by a bandaged "elephant," PETA members will explain to families that elephants used by Ringling are forced to perform difficult and painful tricks despite suffering from lameness and arthritis:
"Elephants bear the scars of bullhook abuse and vividly remember the pain of them, but they need the help of people behind the scenes to look out for them," says PETA Director Delcianna Winders. "Those of us who don't have access behind the curtain can help these animals by refusing to give a dime to the company that routinely beats and abuses them."
Last month, Ohio native Chrissie Hynde asked Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson to ensure that Ringling does not use bullhooks while in the city. Public Safety Director Marty Flask has assured the organization that the Animal Protective League will inspect and monitor the circus to make sure that Ringling complies with all laws. PETA is calling on arena employees to help enforce the law.
For more information, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.