When PETA discovered that the Liebel Family Circus recently used Nosey, a female African elephant, to give elephant rides to children in Mount Dora, Fla., without having the required state permit, we immediately contacted the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Among other things, we asked the agency to immediately confiscate Nosey, as Liebel has apparently committed numerous violations of Florida laws-including putting the public in danger by using an elephant with a history of aggressive behavior. In 2004, Nosey attacked a circus worker in Iowa, lifting him off his feet and propelling him down an incline. The worker was rushed to the hospital by ambulance and was treated for a head injury.

Liebel has a lengthy history of animal abuse and neglect, and in 2005, the circus paid a $2,885 fine to settle charges filed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The violations include failure to have an experienced and trained elephant handler (which resulted in the attack on the worker), failure to maintain a program of veterinary care, and failure to provide sufficient space for animals to make normal postural adjustments.

In his affidavit to the USDA, the worker injured in the 2004 attack recounted the frequent use of electric prods on Nosey. He also described an incident in which a trainer "used the bullhook handle, turned off the lights in the performance ring, and beat the elephant." The trainer encouraged others to take part in the abuse by using objects such as a sledgehammer and shovel handles. At the time, Nosey was staked down by all four legs. Circus handlers routinely beat and gouge elephants with bullhooks and shock them with electric prods.

Please send a message to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Urge the agency to confiscate Nosey and revoke Liebel's license to possess elephants.

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