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PETA Protests Circus Outside School
Volunteer Dresses As Wounded Elephant

POSTED: 7:20 am EST February 4, 2010
UPDATED: 7:36 am EST February 4, 2010
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GREENVILLE, S.C. -- When the bell rang outside Augusta Circle Elementary school, students were greeted by a PETA volunteer dressed in a wounded elephant costume.

Students were greeted by a PETA volunteer dressed in an elephant costume.



Most children failed to notice the elephant also wore a bandage.

The PETA volunteers didn't preach about animal abuse but handed out coloring books brandishing images of sad elephants in chains who lived at the circus. The books, entitled "Animals Belong In The Jungle," were used to dissuade children from attending the upcoming Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus which is set to arrive in Greenville Feb 17.

"If children knew how animals suffer behind the scenes, their smiles would quickly turn to frowns," said PETA director Debbie Leahy.


Most parents didn't get involved, but one outraged mother took a stand. As the children boarded the bus she stood between them and the volunteers and reminded the children not to talk to strangers.

"I love the First Amendment. Everyone has a right to speak their mind. Problem is this is the wrong venue for PETA to be talking about the circus. We have nothing to do with the circus.PETA is known for having their demonstrations get out of hand in a radical way. It puts children in danger," said Leslie Martin, as she waited for her son to be dismissed.

Greenville police were present and maintained order during the short-lived protest.

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