PETA to Protest Ailing Elephant's UniverSoul Appearance, Illegal Bullhook Use

Elephant Owner Charged With 33 Current Animal Welfare Violations

For Immediate Release:
February 25, 2013

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382 

Tallahassee -- Holding signs that read, "Free Nosey the Elephant" and "33 Violations of Animal Welfare Act," PETA members will hold a spirited protest outside the North Florida Fairgrounds on Tuesday as the UniverSoul Circus prepares for its opening show. PETA is also calling on the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, and Tallahassee Animal Control to seize Nosey, the elephant set to appear in the show. According to recent veterinary reports, Nosey suffers from an untreated skin condition. Her exhibitor faces almost three dozen charges for violations of the Animal Welfare Act—mostly for abusing and neglecting Nosey. Her handler uses a bullhook—a fireplace poker–like device that trainers use to beat elephants and teach them "who's boss." Tallahassee law prohibits using devices that force "an animal to perform by causing pain."

When:   Tuesday, February 26, 6:15 p.m.

Where:  North Florida Fairgrounds, 441 Paul Russell Rd., Tallahassee

"Despite Nosey's years of suffering, UniverSoul Circus has paid her owner, a man now facing 33 counts of violating federal law for abusing her, to force her to perform tricks," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is urging the authorities to step in and take this ailing elephant off the road—and is telling families to stay far away from this abusive circus."

Last week, Suburgatory star and Tallahassean Cheryl Hines appealed to the fairgrounds to cancel Nosey's planned appearance. This week, hip-hop entrepreneur Russell Simmons called on UniverSoul to cancel its contract with Hugo Liebel.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.