AUGUSTA: With the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) repeatedly citing Cole Bros. Circus for failure to provide adequate veterinary care as well as space for animals, including elephants, animal activist group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) has launched a billboard campaign in Augusta, Georgia, to raise awareness of these issues. In the works are plans for animal advocates to protest outside circus performances in the city along with passing out information to students at Monte Sano Elementary School regarding the cruel treatment of animals. According to PETA, authorities have found “evidence that animals used by the circus were beaten, malnourished, overworked, and neglected.” One of the elephant handlers was also caught on video for viciously beating an elephant back in June. Based on a PETA fact sheet, in late February 2011: Both Cole Bros. and John Pugh, the company owner and president, pleaded guilty to violating the Endangered Species Act by illegally selling two Asian elephants named Tina and Jewel to a man who planned to use them for private parties and elephant rides. Cole Bros. was sentenced to four years of probation and ordered to pay a $150,000 fine. Pugh was sentenced to three years of probation and 100 hours of community service and ordered to pay $5,200. Both Jewel and Tina were taken into federal custody and now live together at the San Diego Zoo. Jeff Mackey, a writer for PETA, advises, “If a circus that uses animals is scheduled to come to your town, don't take it lying down – stand up and give animal abusers an experience that they won't soon forget.” To find out how to become involved in compassionate actions for animals, join PETA's Action Team at the group's website.
