Written by PETA
PETA appreciates its friends in the media, but some websites seem to be looking to stir up controversy. (Shocker, right?) Case in point: PETA sent a friendly letter to Nicole Richie after learning that her father had rented an elephant as a "surprise" for her wedding this weekend to Joel Madden. We asked her to make sure that exotic animals would be kept off her guest list for future celebrations. After all, Nicole loves elephants and has drawn attention to the way that Ringling abuses babies. Plus, the members of the Madden family are great favorites at the PETA offices.
But saying that PETA has "slammed" or "blasted" Ms. Richie (Mrs. Madden?) is going a bit overboard. Animal lovers are often mistakenly "taken in" by animal exploiters. We just wanted to be sure Ms. Richie knew how Have Trunk Will Travel—the company that likely provided Tai, the elephant, for the event—takes young elephants from the wild and uses bullhooks and electric shocks to force them to perform. Knowing how compassionate she is, we're sure that Ms. Richie will be beyond shocked herself.
In the end, whether someone is a celebrity or not, PETA appreciates everyone who cares about animals and will speak up in their behalf.
Written by Jeff Mackey
Did you get a look at the menu for the reception? How were those animals treated? www.tmz.com/.../nicole-richie-joel-madden-wedding-menu
Nicole Richie isn't the sweetheart you make her out to be. I read a few years ago when she was engaged to someone else that she wanted elephant rides at her wedding. I think she needs to be educated and stop having exotic animals at any future events she may have herself and not to attend any events where these animals may be. There has to be stricter laws regarding abuse of exotic or any other animals.
I was sorry to hear that there was an elephant at her wedding but I was happy to hear that she married her children's father. I wish the Madden family all the best. Now if only her former friend Paris Hilton would finally become mature....
We just wanted to be sure Ms. Richie knew how the company that likely provided Tai, the elephant, for the event—takes young elephants from the wild and uses bullhooks and electric shocks to force them to perform
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