COLUMBIA, S.C. -- The Capital City will be host to the Ringling Bros. Barnum and Bailey Circus for the next five days starting Thursday; and with it comes protestors.
Over 15 people picketed outside of the Colonial Life Arena Thursday morning; including supporters from the People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA). They said they are upset for alleged training practices by TM Bros. involving bullhooks, ropes, and chains on elephants.
Protestors like PETA Senior Campaigner Virginia Fort hope to make a difference and will be present at every show during the weekend.
"Most people simply don't realize what is going on behind the scenes at Ringling Bros. Circus. Elephants and other animals are kept in boxed cars and tiny trailers and are beaten and forced to perform very physically challenging tricks. When people learn about what is going on behind the scenes at Ringling Bros. Circus, they don't want to support such a cruel industry."
Ringling Bros. Spokesperson Crystal Drake responded with this statement.
"Ringling Bros. is dedicated to providing a safe and enriching environment, and excellent health care for all our animals, including our elephants. The round-the-clock care we give t our animals is a supervised, compassion-driven, and well-funded mandate at Ringling Bros. We want all of Columbia to know that we stand behind the quality of care and compassion provided by our animal care and veterinary staff."
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