PETA Asks Feds To Close Ringling Bros. Circus

Animal Rights Group Asks Feds to Shut Down Ringling Bros. Circus

Posted: 04/12/10

One of the nation's largest animal rights organizations sent a letter to the Department of Agriculture Monday, accusing Ringling Bros. of torturing elephants and demanding the federal government shut down the world-famous circus.

In the letter, the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals asks the government to block the April 28 renewal of the animal-exhibitor license issued to Ringling's parent company, Feld Entertainment, The Daily News reported.

Officials with Ringling and Feld could not be reached for comment.

PETA accused the circus of covering up evidence of animal torture and thwarting inspections.

"Abusive and violent treatment of animals . . . is part and parcel of Ringling's traveling circus, which requires powerful animals, many of whom were once wild, to learn and perform tricks that are alien to their nature," PETA President Ingrid Newkirk wrote.

PETA cites documents, videos and photos showing a history of abuse at Ringling Bros. The group says circus workers used electric prods and metal hooks on baby elephants and whipped a tiger until it collapsed.

Similar complaints by PETA in the past went nowhere, but the group hopes the Obama White House might be more receptive than past administrations, according to the News.

PETA uses soft porn to promote themselves!
That's the one thing I like about them!