Protesters say Ringling Bros. abuses elephants

Who doesn’t love a circus? About 20 protesters assembled outside Phillips Arena Saturday to accuse Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus officials of abusing its elephants, that’s who.

“Our primary objective is to educate the public about the abuse and mishandling of elephants by Ringling Brothers,” said Dino Vlachos, of the Georgia Animal Rights and Protection. “Elephants are highly visible with the public and the trial itself is focused on the elephants.”

A trial began earlier this month in U.S. District Court, Washington, pitting animal welfare groups against the Ringling Brothers Circus, alleging it routinely abuses its elephants. The circus denies the allegation.

Stephanie Hunter, of Fairmount, Ga., brought her husband and daughter to the circus Saturday. They saw the protesters holding posters of chained elephants.

“We loved it. The elephants looked pretty healthy to us,” said Hunter.

Amy McWethy, spokesman for Feld Entertainment, said Saturday that the animals are healthy and well cared for by a team of veterinarians. “An animal management staff … works to ensure that the animals have an enriching, safe and comfortable environment,” McWethy said.

“Protesters make false and distorted allegations about Ringling Bros. animal care and we invite the citizens of Atlanta to come see for themselves that our animals are healthy and thriving in our care,” she said.

Several circus-goers shouted at the protesters to “get a life.” But Vlachos said his group managed to dissuade several people who were headed to buy tickets.

Georgia Animal Rights and Protection also plans protests at the Universoul Circus, which begins Wednesday in Atlanta.