PETA wants apology from city councilwoman who rode animals at circus

PITTSBURGH — PETA is calling for an apology from a city councilwoman who posted pictures of herself riding circus animals.

District 1 City Councilwoman Darlene Harris, a mayoral candidate, is standing firmly behind the pictures posted on her own Facebook page. She was photographed riding an elephant and camel before the Shrine Circus performance in Pittsburgh Sunday.

Harris received both support and backlash on Facebook.

“I went down to the Shrine Circus to see how the animals were treated,” Harris said.

Harris said she was invited down to PPG Paints Arena to see how the circus cares for its animals. She spent several hours touring the circus facilities and inspecting the animals.

TRENDING NOW:

• Police, EMS called for dog attack in Washington County
• Gambler says he was denied $100K jackpot because friend pushed button
• 'Sons of Guns' star Will Hayden convicted of rape
• PHOTOS: 100 greatest NHL players

This came after Council President Bruce Kraus introduced a bill to ban wild and exotic animals used for amusement last year.

“I saw no neglect whatsoever. Those animals are taken care of better than sometimes we take care of people,” Harris said.

Harris said that if anyone has proof of animal cruelty, she would like to see it before she speaks out against the Shrine Circus or any other circus act coming to Pittsburgh.

In a letter to Harris Thursday, PETA said it detailed citations and penalties assessed against Carson & Barnes Circus, which supplied the elephants for the Shrine-sponsored event. PETA said the citations were for violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

"The circus's deplorable history of hurting and exploiting animals is all in the public record," said PETA Foundation Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews. "If Darlene Harris is the animal advocate she claims to be, she should support efforts underway in Pittsburgh to ban cruel animal acts - not condone cruelty by riding an elephant."

PETA's letter to Harris alleges:

• Carson & Barnes' head trainer was caught on video attacking elephants with a bullhook and an electric prod while they screamed.
• Another handler with the circus was caught on video using the sharp tip of a bullhook to force an elephant's head down while swearing at her.
• The same handler was caught hooking an elephant when she attacked another elephant in a circus ring after he lost control of the animals.

The letter also cited other alleged violations by Carson & Barnes for failing to identify, convey, or document treatment of veterinary problems.

Cox Media Group