For Immediate Release:
January 22, 2018
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Moulton, Ala. – Below, please find a statement from PETA Foundation Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews in response to today’s ruling by Lawrence County District Court Judge Angela Terry that Nosey the elephant will not return to Hugo and Franciszka Liebel, who were charged with cruelty to animals in December:
Compassionate people the world over are breathing a sigh of relief because of today’s ruling that Nosey the elephant will not be returned to the people who left her chained and swaying in her own waste, suffering from urinary tract and skin infections as well as parasites, painful osteoarthritis, dehydration, and malnutrition. PETA thanks local authorities for seizing her and everyone who worked to keep her safe from the man who, for decades, used chains, sticks, and bullying in order to force her to give rides. As she now enjoys life in a sanctuary, her former owner, Hugo Liebel, faces cruelty charges and the realization that there’s no room for animal abusers in a civilized society.
PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment,” and more information is available here.
