PETA calls off Lucas County Fair protest after assurances of fair treatment

7/12/2013
BLADE STAFF

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has called off a protest at the Lucas County Fairgrounds that was planned for today.

PETA alleges that a Liebel Family Circus elephant is being treated inhumanely because its handler controls him with a bullhook. A bullhook resembles a fireplace poker. There is an Ohio law that bars citizens from using electric or similar devices on exhibition animals, PETA said in the statement.

The group received assurances from the Lucas County Board of Commissioners that officials will enforce Ohio's law against the use of all prods and similar devices to ensure that the elephant handlers do not use bullhooks.

"They've put the Fair and Liebel on notice that he will be monitored, and that the use of bullhooks will not be tolerated," said PETA spokesman David Perle."Given the assurances from the Lucas County Board of Commissioners that they will strictly enforce Ohio's law against the use of bullhooks, we won't be protesting today."

The Toledo Area Humane Society also said it would have an officer check on the condition of the elephant.

The Lucas County Fairgrounds are located at 1406 Key St., in Maumee. The fair started Tuesday and runs through Sunday.