WHO:
- Assemblymember Lloyd Levine, sponsor of AB 777, the California Elephant Protection Act
- Archele Hundley, former Ringling animal-care provider and whistleblower
- Kim Haddad, California veterinarian and elephant expert
- Nicole G. Paquette, Esq., Director of Legal and Government Affairs, Animal Protection Institute
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WHAT:
In light of new evidence of circus elephant abuse, California animal advocates are speaking out in support of AB 777, which would ban the use of inhumane tools such as bullhooks and chains on elephants in California. The Sacramento-based Animal Protection Institute, co-sponsor of AB 777, is a plaintiff in a federal lawsuit against Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus for violations of the Endangered Species Act in their treatment of Asian elephants. Several items of concern have recently surfaced during the “discovery” process of this lawsuit that shed new light on the inhumane treatment of circus elephants including new emails from Ringling employees that include references to:
- “blood in small pools” dripping from elephants
- Concerns expressed by veterinarians and veterinary technicians on the “multiple abrasions and lacerations from the hooks” on the elephants
- Comments on the use of an electric prod by the head elephant trainer on Ringling’s “Blue Unit”
Former Ringling animal-care provider Archele Hundley will speak about the inhumane treatment and care she witnessed while working at Ringling including daily use of the bullhook on elephants, urine-soaked transport cars, constant use of chains, and lack of discipline for employees who were seen abusing elephants.
WHERE:
Tuesday, April 24, 2007, 10:30am
State Capital Building, Room 157
Contact:
Zibby Wilder, Animal Protection Institute, 916-447-3085 x205
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