CLARKESVILLE - An animals rights group is asking the Habersham County Commission to outlaw the use of prods and bullhooks on elephants, before and Oklahoma based circus opens at the county fairgrounds in Clarkesville on the 19th.
PETA spokeswoman Lisa Wathne says the use of these tools on elephants is very cruel and can be interpreted as a means of intimidation.
"Those elephants are not performing because they want to," she said. "The are performing because they are afraid not to."
She adds outlawing the tools is a start.
"Although PETA would prefer an end to circuses that use animals," Wathne added. "We believe at the very least elephants deserve protection."
Wathne said along with a letter and fax making the request, PETA has also sent along a DVD of trainers with the Carson and Barnes Circus showing the abuse of the animals.
Barnes and Carson has not yet been available for comment.
The regular scheduled meeting of the commission is three days before the circus opens.
Sunday
April 13th, 2025
3:33AM
