PETA urges Reed to ban elephant from circus

By Eric Stirgus

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution

Two animal rights groups want Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed to urge Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus not to bring an elephant to its show in the city, which starts Friday.

Captive Animals Rescue and Enforcement wrote a letter to Reed dated Wednesday with the request. They say the elephant ran amok during a pre-show last week in Columbia, S.C. and endangered about 100 spectators. The organization wrote it "strongly suspect that she was trying to escape from the abuse that commonly takes place backstage at circuses." People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is similarly concerned.

Mayoral spokesman Reese McCranie said the Reed administration received the letter Thursday afternoon and is reviewing the request.

The circus is performing at Philips Arena in downtown Atlanta. The performances are scheduled through Feb. 21.