PETA Passes Out Literature to Greenville County Elementary School Students

PETA, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is a group well known for its attention getting publicity stunts. Wednesday, the organization tried a new way of reaching out to Upstate students by going directly to them outside Augusta Circle Elementary in Greenville County. News Channel 7 found reaction was mixed, about they way they were spreading their message.

A bandaged elephant (costume) waved to students leaving school as its “handler” handed out coloring books and stickers to kids. Amanda Fortino, PETA campaign coordinator tells News Channel 7, "PETA is here today, asking parents and kids to boycott the circus." The literature talked about elephants, what they eat and how they survive. It also included accusations that they are mistreated by circuses.

Reporter reads: "It says elephants are trained or punished with sharp pointed hooks or whips. These giant creatures have sensitive skin.”

Reporter asks: “Do you think that's too much for someone at an elementary school age?”

Fortino answers: “Kids see worse than this on video games and on TV.”

Reporter asks: "Do you think it's something parents should see before it gets to the hands of the children?"

Fortino answers: "No, this is totally kid oriented… We have handed out thousand of these coloring books stickers, and had numerous requests via the Internet, even when we are not in front of a school, for more information from kids and parents."

While security and school administrators stood close, some parents, like Nicole Grier, say she does support PETA’s efforts. She says, “At least it gives them a perspective of what's going on." Others supported the cause, but not necessarily they way they went about it. Brenda Young, while waiting in the car line, said, “I think it's holding the traffic up a bit too much, and that they should have handed them out in the classroom if they wanted to give it to them."

The PETA protest was in no way connected to the school or district, and there were parents who were angry about the group's access to the children. Parent Leslie Martin said, “I don't like it that they're right in front of where the children get on the buses." Law enforcement says it was all legal, and that PETA did not need a permit. Martin said, “This is the wrong venue. This is a school yard. This is a school house, where they are here to learn. It has nothing to do with the circus, so there is really no reason for us to be here."

We contacted The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus which will be at the Bi-Lo Center later this month. Janice Aria, Director of Animal Stewardship and Training, who said she is also a former school teacher, said such a protest has no place in a public school, especially with children of this age. Aria called it a "breach of ethics" and said the accusations of mistreatment of the elephants are "preposterous". Aria said, "We cherish these elephants," noting they are continually inspected on federal and state levels, inspections which they pass with “flying colors.”