Animal rights activists clashed with police as they dumped coal on the Shriners CEO's lawn.

Protesters from the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) dressed as elves and elephant Santas before dumping three wheelbarrows of coal onto the front lawn of Richard Burke, the Imperial Potentate of Shriners International, in Buford on December 18.

One of them fell when an officer grabbed the cart.

Demonstrators said the protest was part of PETA's ongoing campaign aimed at pushing the organisation to eliminate animal acts from its circuses.

Authorities confirmed that the protesters were detained for nearly two hours, and one was cited for 'public dumping'.

PETA Senior Vice President Colleen O'Brien said: 'Christmas is never merry for the animals exploited in circuses, who are trained through pain and fear.'

PETA, known for its advocacy against animal cruelty, continues to push for stricter enforcement of animal welfare laws and the elimination of animal testing.

Shriners International, which operates the Shrine Circus, has yet to issue a public response to the incident.

The group describes itself as a 'fraternal organisation' that was established in 1870 as part of the Freemasonry tradition.

It is best known for its philanthropic work, especially through the Shriners Hospitals for Children, a network of non-profit medical facilities that provide specialised pediatric care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.