For Immediate Release:
March 24, 2009

Contact:
RaeLeann Smith 757-622-7382

Baltimore, Md. -- Holding posters reading, "Ringling Beats Animals," PETA protesters will converge on the 1st Mariner Arena on Wednesday, the opening night of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus' stop in Baltimore. The protest comes as a federal judge considers his verdict in the case against Ringling, which has been accused of violating the Endangered Species Act by chaining elephants, beating and injuring them with bullhooks, and more.

Where: 1st Mariner Arena (sidewalk by the main entrance), 201 W. Baltimore St., Baltimore

PETA is asking circusgoers to keep children away from the circus in light of firsthand accounts from former Ringling employees. The whistleblowers reported witnessing the daily abuse of animals, describing in graphic detail an incident in which an elephant shrieked in agony and bled profusely as workers beat her with a steel-tipped bullhook for more than 30 minutes. Since 1998, four baby elephants under Ringling's supervision have died, including one who was forced to perform despite being visibly ill.

"The circus has worked hard to hide its cruelty from children," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. "These animals are not volunteers; they are deprived of their families and freedom for the sake of cheap tricks."

For more information, please visit Circuses.com.