Ringling Bros. to Face Massive Protest by PETA, Others in Brooklyn Blitz

Pair of ‘Elephants’ Will Ask Parents to Steer Clear of Cruel Circus and Watch Edie Falco’s Video Exposé

For Immediate Release:
February 19, 2014

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Hundreds of activists, led by a pair in elephant costumes, will hand out leaflets to parents and coloring books to children in a massive protest against Ringling Bros.’ animal abuse. Members of PETA, In Defense of Animals, Animal Defenders International, NYCLASS, and Long Island Orchestrating for Nature will be on hand Thursday to give the circus a chilling reception on its opening night in Brooklyn. The activists—who will take up an entire city block—aim to eclipse last year’s record protest, New York’s largest ever against a circus.

When:   Thursday, February 20, 5:30 p.m.

Where:  Barclays Center, 620 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn

The protesters will display compelling photos that expose how baby elephants used by Ringling are stretched out, slammed to the ground, gouged with steel-tipped bullhooks, and shocked with electric prods in order to force them to perform circus tricks out of fear of punishment. Emmy-winning Brooklyn native Edie Falco stars in a PETA video asking her fellow New York City parents—and everyone—to keep their kids far away from the circus.

“I’m a mother,” Falco says. “I cannot imagine having my children taken from me and forced to spend the rest of their lives away from everything that matters to them and not be able to do anything to help them.” She continues, “Never take your children to the circus. Let’s teach our kids to respect and show compassion for all beings—both human and animal.”

In late 2011, Ringling Bros. paid the largest fine in circus history—$270,000—for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

For more information, please visit PETA’s website RinglingBeatsAnimals.com.