Buford, United States - December 19, 2024 A dramatic protest unfolded earlier this evening when three PETA supporters, dressed as elves and an “elephant” Santa, dumped three wheelbarrows of coal onto the front lawn of Shriners International Imperial Potentate Richard Burke. The demonstration, part of PETA’s ongoing campaign, aimed to push the organization to eliminate animal acts from its circuses, following the lead of other circuses such as Ringling Bros. As the activists attempted to complete their action, police quickly intervened. One officer grabbed a wheelbarrow from an “elf,” causing her to lose her balance and fall. The protesters were detained for nearly two hours, and one was cited for “Public Dumping.” PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O’Brien condemned the exploitation of animals in circuses, saying, “Christmas is never merry for the animals exploited in circuses, who are trained through pain and fear.” PETA has long called on Shriners International to join the movement away from animal acts, noting the cruelty involved, particularly with exhibitors like Carson & Barnes Circus, which has a history of federal Animal Welfare Act violations.