People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals will stage a protest against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus at an elementary school in Lafayette Tuesday, according to a spokesman.
The animal-rights group says it will be at Myrtle Place Elementary School at 2:45 p.m. — minutes before the bell rings releasing students for the day — with a protester in an elephant suit sporting a “bloody” bandage around her head. Ellie, as the plush pachyderm is called, will hand out activity books and explain to students “that animals used by Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus are jabbed with spiked, metal bull hooks and beaten to make them perform difficult tricks that are confusing and sometimes painful to them.”
The Ringling circus is scheduled to perform at the Cajundome April 16 and 17. Lafayette Police spokesman Cpl. Paul Mouton says his department is aware of the peaceful protest, noting officers will be on hand to monitor the event. PETA was not required to obtain a permit “as long as they don’t block the sidewalk or cause a hazard or anything,” Mouton says.
PETA has long been a nemesis of America’s premier circus. The group has a Web site, RinglingBeatsAnimals.com, that contains photographs and videos purportedly taken at Ringling’s Florida headquarters showing the mistreatment of elephants.
“If children knew how animals suffer behind the scenes, their smiles would quickly turn to frowns,” PETA Director Debbie Leahy says in a press release.
... written by PDQ Gomez , April 06, 2010 - 04:02 pm
PETA. People Eating Tasty Animals.
... written by Solutions , April 06, 2010 - 05:11 pm
Nothing says "I'm angry at Barnum and Bailey" than a naked girl in a cage. Thanks PETA for this rediculous, yet still enjoyable protest!
... written by Dennis Carlson , April 07, 2010 - 03:30 pm
PDQ Gomez: Surely you realize that about a million people before you also thought they were the first "clever" person to come up with that sophomoric acronym. You bore us.
Solutions: no one was naked. Please read more carefully.
There's nothing "purported" about the hideous undercover video and photos about the beatings inflicted on animals at Ringling Bros. Circus. Former circus employees have come forward because they couldn't stay silent about the miserable lives for animals at the circus.
... written by Carter , April 12, 2010 - 08:23 am
Im so glad PETA does what they do. Its heart braking,I wish the media would pick up on these videos because Im sure it would change the way people look at all circuses. How ashamed we all should be.
... written by T , April 22, 2010 - 02:46 pm
@ Solutions... learn to spell moron.
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