Circus Admits That Elephants Are Hit but Denies It's Abuse

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WASHINGTON - The head of the company that owns the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus acknowledged in federal court Tuesday that all his elephant handlers strike the animals with metal-tipped prods, but he said it's necessary to keep the huge animals under control and doesn't harm them.

Feld Entertainment Chairman/CEO Kenneth Feld said the circus probably couldn't have elephants without the prods - called bull hooks - and chains that are at the center of a trial in U.S. District Court. He said the prods and restraints are needed to protect the safety of his staff and the public.

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Circus Admits That Elephants Are Hit but Denies It's Abuse

Animal rights groups are suing Feld Ent...

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