Ft. Worth: Let Ringling Bros. Circus Know It's Not Welcome in Ft. Worth

May 29, 2009

Why so soon? Read below the alert.

Shannon,

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus, the "Cruelest Show on Earth," is coming to Ft. Worth, and we need your help to raise awareness about the cruelty and violence that go on behind the scenes at the circus. When Ringling is in your town, it's up to kind people like you to let Ringling know that this cruel show is not welcome!

Experts, eyewitnesses, and video footage prove that physical abuse is standard practice for training elephants in circuses. Ringling's trainers have been observed hitting and jabbing elephants, including babies, with sharp steel-tipped rods called "bullhooks." CEO Kenneth Feld recently admitted in federal court that he's seen handlers use bullhooks to hit elephants under the chin, behind the ears, and on the legs. We know that Ringling causes pain and suffering to animals, but we must share this with others so that they, too, will boycott the circus.PETA campaigner Virginia Fort will be in town to demonstrate the sad, lonely lives that animals in circuses endure.

What: Ringling demonstrationWhen: Tuesday, June 2, NoonWhere: Corner of 5th Street and Main Street, Ft. Worth

If you have any questions about the demonstration or to plan your own when the circus is in town, please contact me at DavidS and let me know what city you're in. For more information on this campaign, to learn what former employees say about Ringling, and to view PETA's videos, which show behind-the-scenes training, please visit Circuses.com.

We're in this fight together, and we couldn't do it without you. We're grateful that you're part of our Action Team, and we encourage you to take full advantage of the network by contacting us any time with questions, requests, or concerns. Thanks so much for everything that you do for animals!

For all animals,

David Salisbury, Assistant Activist LiaisonPeople for the Ethical Treatment of Animals

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This e-mail was sent by PETA, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510 USA.

The purpose of this is to be far enough in advance of Ringling's visit so as to get media attention without there being any conflict of interest - especially since they've been on trial for abusing elephants. There will be a paint clad woman in a cage; should be fun!

As usual, Ringling buys mostly great PR in the media:

Today Showâ€™s piece on Ringling Trial; mostly fluff

http://today. msnbc.msn. com/id/26184891/ vp/30843715# 30843715