Dumb-bo?
You have to start somewhere, so perhaps sympathy for its mascot is
a sign things are turning around for the Republican Party.
Elephants are the focus of a lawsuit being heard in U.S. District Court here this week. The animal activist group ASPCA, along with several other animal rights groups, has filed a case against the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey circus, citing inhumane treatment of the huge animals.
Plaintiff’s lawyer Katherine Meyer said her clients “want to see an end to the Ringling elephants living their lives chained on railroad cars and living in fear.”
And although a circus may seem like fun and games, those representing Vienna, VA-based
Ringling Bros mean business, too.
“Animal interest groups are distorting facts and making false allegations,”
said defense attorney Michelle Pardo of Fulbright & Jaworski LLP, “and we
look forward to putting these myths to rest.” She praised the company’s
commitment to animal care, saying they’ve never violated any federal laws,
have 24/7 veterinarians, perform constant inspections and spend whatever it
takes to keep the animals healthy and happy. “This is a philosophical
debate” by these animal rights groups, she said, “and it is well recognized
that animals can be held in captivity.”
Killjoy activists and circus lawyers fighting over the sacred
image of the GOP? The Republican Party may have turned the
corner at last.
