Contact:
Nicole Meyer 757-622-7382   

Webster County, Mo. --- Today, PETA fired off a letter to Webster County Prosecutor Cynthia Black, imploring her to immediately launch an investigation into the Animal Education Protection Information Foundation, also known as ARC, and file appropriate charges. PETA’s request comes on the heels of the November 1 escape of an Asian elephant named Betty, who was reportedly found injured and returned to the compound two days after she went missing. PETA alleges that ARC owner Murray Hill is in direct violation of Missouri Code, which criminalizes the neglect and abuse of animals.

PETA informed Black that Betty, a former circus elephant who once killed a person, had posed a significant threat to public safety while roaming at large. PETA also expressed grave concern that Betty could be chained and beaten as discipline for her escape in accordance with standard circus practices—since Hill has a history with the circus as an animal trainer.

"Betty’s escape could easily have resulted in someone’s death, including her own," says PETA Director Debbie Leahy. "Not only does this incident illustrate ARC’s incompetence, it also spotlights Betty’s frustrations from her sad, solitary existence in a dungeon-like barn and cramped pen. It’s no wonder that she made a dash for freedom."

For more information on the plight of elephants in circuses, please visit PETA’s Web site Circuses.com.

PETA’s letter to Webster County Prosecutor Cynthia Black follows.

November 9, 2004

Cynthia Black, Prosecutor
Webster County Prosecutor
P.O. Box 312
Webster County, MO 65706

Dear Ms. Black:

This complaint is submitted on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), an international organization with more than 800,000 members and supporters dedicated to the protection of animals. PETA respectfully requests that the Webster County Prosecutor’s Office investigate whether Murray Hill, owner of the Animal Education Protection Information Foundation in Fordland, has violated sections 578.009 and 578.012 of the Missouri Code, which criminalize the neglect and abuse of animals. On Monday, November 1, it was reported that the facility’s female Asian elephant, Betty, escaped the confines of the facility and was missing for two days. Betty reportedly suffered injuries during her escape.

As you know, section 578.009(1) states "A person is guilty of animal neglect when he has custody or ownership or both of an animal and fails to provide adequate care or adequate control, which results in substantial harm to the animal." Section 578.012(1)(3) states that a person is guilty of animal abuse who, "[h]aving ownership or custody of an animal knowingly fails to provide adequate care or adequate control."

It has been reported that Betty suffered injuries as a result of Hill’s refusal to provide adequate safeguards against her escape. We are also concerned that Betty may be punished for running amok. It is standard practice in the circus industry—in which Hill has a history as an animal trainer—to chain elephants and beat them with bullhooks as a form of discipline. Thus, in addition to investigating possible criminal liability on Hill’s part, we ask that your agency arrange for a qualified zoo veterinarian to examine and treat Betty as soon as possible. If costs are an issue, PETA is willing to pay for her medical care.

This escape also posed a significant public risk, since Betty is known to be a dangerous elephant who has killed a person in the past. Hill’s facility apparently cannot adequately contain elephants. This could result in death or injury to members of the public or to Betty herself.

PETA respectfully requests that you investigate possible violations of sections 578.009 and 578.012 of the Missouri Code and that you charge all individuals responsible for any such violations to the fullest extent of the law.

Thank you for giving this important matter your immediate attention. If you have any questions, you can reach me at 757-622-7382. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Nicole Meyer, Elephant Specialist
Captive Exotic Animals Department