‘Animal Events Must End’: PETA Says Moslah Shrine Circus Must Relegate Elephant Acts to the History Books

For Immediate Release:
October 23, 2026

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Dallas –

PETA sent a letter this morning to Moslah Shrine Potentate Brett Boone, urging him to leave animals out of the upcoming circus at NYTEX Sports Centre and “finally end this shameful chapter of its history by hosting only animal-free events.” PETA notes in its letter that video footage shows the longtime head trainer for Carson & Barnes Circus—which has provided the elephant act for the Moslah Shrine Circus—instructing trainers to sink steel-tipped bullhooks into the elephants’ skin and twist them until they scream. Carson & Barnes’ long history of animal abuse also includes nearly 150 citations for violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.

*Elephants used as living taxis, forced to give rides at the Moslah Shrine Circus as a handler threatens them with a bullhook. Credit: PETA*

“Circuses should be a celebration of joy and wonder, not a place where animals are bullied and abused,” says PETA President Tracy Reiman. “Across the country, venues, communities, and states have prohibited or restricted animal acts, while major circuses have gone animal-free, recognizing that people don’t want to see animals subjected to a lifetime of confinement, coercion, and suffering.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment or abuse in any other way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.

PETA’s letter to Boone follows.

October 23, 2026

Brett Boone

Potentate

Moslah Shrine

Dear Mr. Boone:

I’m writing on behalf of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) with an urgent request to leave animals out of the upcoming Moslah Shrine Circus, in which the abuse of elderly elephants is set to take center stage. The Moslah Shrine must recognize that times have changed and finally end this shameful chapter of its history by hosting only animal-free events.

Animals used in circuses like yours live under the constant threat of being hit with weapons like whips and sharp steel-tipped bullhooks to force them to perform and give rides. Video footage shows the head trainer for Carson & Barnes Circus—which has provided the cruel elephant act for the Moslah Shrine Circus—instructing trainers to sink bullhooks into the elephants’ flesh and twist them until they scream. Carson & Barnes’ appallingly long history of animal abuse also includes citations for nearly 150 citations for violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. One elephant, Kelly—who was forced to perform in your circus last year—made a desperate bid for freedom after decades of violent training sessions, intense confinement, and routine chaining. She was later found in a residential neighborhood, endangering herself and everyone around her.

As public support for animal acts continues to decline, the Moslah Shrine faces a choice: move into the present era or keep its reputation tethered to a cruel and outdated spectacle. Across the country, venues, communities, and states have prohibited or restricted animal acts, while major circuses have gone animal-free, recognizing that people don’t want to see animals subjected to a lifetime of confinement, coercion, and suffering.

Circuses should be a celebration of joy and wonder, not a platform for animal abuse. It’s high time that the Moslah Shrine left animals out of its circuses. Thank you for your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Tracy Reiman

President