President Obama Dogged by Angry, Nonpartisan 'Elephant' in Denver

PETA Says President Negligent in Failing to Order USDA to Confiscate Crippled and Beaten Elephants From U.S. Circuses

For Immediate Release:
October 2, 2012

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382   

Denver -- Brandishing a sign that reads, "Mr. President: Tell USDA to Confiscate Beaten Circus Elephants," PETA's enraged "pachyderm"—who, although often mistaken for a Republican, doesn't belong to either party—will join PETA members in Denver on Wednesday as President Barack Obama prepares to speak. The group is calling on the president to step in and order the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to do its duty and confiscate 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. Last year, PETA's complaints against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus—"the cruelest show on Earth"—resulted in the biggest fine in circus history, $270,000. Cole Bros. Circus was also recently fined for animal welfare violations.

When:   Wednesday, October 3, 3 p.m. 

Where:  University of Denver, the Magness Arena at the Daniel L. Ritchie Center for Sports and Wellness, Denver

"The government has taken an important step by fining these cruel circuses, but now it must confiscate the lame, overworked, and beaten elephants," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "PETA is calling on the president to urge the USDA to take action—and on parents to keep their children away from the circus."

Please note that PETA is a 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to stopping the abuse of animals and promoting healthy vegan eating. We take no position in support of or opposition to any political party or candidate for public office.

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