Herd of Angry 'Elephants' To Picket White House

President Needs to Issue Presidential Order to USDA to Move Lame Elephants From Circus Into Protective Custody

For Immediate Release:
November 9, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Washington -- Waving a banner reading, "Congratulations! Now Direct the USDA to Get Us Out of the Circus," a herd of "elephants" will hold the first post-presidential election rally outside the White House on Friday. PETA is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty by confiscating  lame elephants used in circuses, who are trained, disciplined, and punished with bullhooks (heavy weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp steel hook at the end) in violation of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA).

When:   Friday, November 9, 12 noon 

Where:  The White House, 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. N.W. (between 15^th and 17^th streets), Washington

PETA's formal complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000, last year. Yet, it is well documented that circuses are still beating lame elephants and forcing them to perform despite their pain.

"The government must confiscate these lame and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to compel the USDA to take these wonderful animals away from cruel circuses and put them into protective custody."

For more information and to view photos and video footage of Ringling trainers abusing elephants, please visit PETA's website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.