UniverSoul Circus Cited for Abusive Behavior Toward Elephant
Update November 8, 2024: UniverSoul ended the use of live animals in their performances in 2023! Read about the victory, or take action to help animals still suffering in circuses.
Original post: PETA has just learned that local law-enforcement officials have cited both UniverSoul Circus and Larry Carden, the elephant exhibitor performing with the circus, for violating Atlanta’s cruelty-to-animals law—specifically, the provision that prohibits “abusive behavior towards an elephant.” The move comes after a whistleblower reported to PETA today that a handler with the circus forced an apparently fearful elephant to leave the stage by inserting a bullhook—a sharp metal weapon that resembles a fireplace poker—into the animal’s mouth.
What You Can Do
Because abuse with bullhooks is the norm when elephants are forced to perform, PETA urges everyone to stay far away from any circus that uses elephants.
