Success: Nosey the Elephant Rescued From Owner

Target: Kimberly Carpenter, Lawrence County Animal Control Officer

Goal: Applaud animal control officer’s efforts to ensure that an allegedly abused elephant was rescued and transferred to an elephant sanctuary.

An animal control officer rescued an allegedly abused elephant from her filthy and cramped trailer after her owner’s vehicle had broken down on a roadside, prompting local residents and members of the ForceChange community to demand that officials do something about the elephant’s abhorrent living conditions. Nosey, an elderly African elephant, has been forced to give rides and perform at owner Hugo Liebel’s Great America Family Circus for over 20 years, resulting in her near lameness from arthritis. Nosey’s suffering may now finally be at its end, as a court has ordered for her transfer to an elephant sanctuary pending her owner’s trial for animal cruelty.

Nosey’s move to the sanctuary, even as a temporary measure, marks a major victory in this poor elephant’s history of decades of alleged abuse. Over 200 Animal Welfare Act (AWA) complaints have been made on Nosey’s behalf, including reports that she has been kept chained in cramped living conditions where she cannot turn and was forced to stand in her own feces. Liebel is also accused of not providing Nosey with adequate veterinary care.

Now that Nosey has been removed from Liebel’s care, it is hopeful that she will never suffer again from such cruelty or neglect. Sign this petition to thank the animal control officer responsible for her timely intervention and for her efforts that may ensure that Nosey will never have to suffer from such alleged cruelty ever again.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Ms. Carpenter,

Recently you called for the confiscation of Nosey the Elephant after her owner, Hugo Liebel, was stopped on a roadside in Lawrence County. Your swift response to comments made by concerned citizens regarding her care is to be commended. We wish to thank you for ensuring that Nosey was removed from Mr. Liebel’s care, given his long documented history of allegedly neglecting and abusing this innocent creature.

Mr. Liebel’s multiple Animal Welfare Act violations include the denial of proper veterinary care and inadequate shelter. No animal deserves such inhumane and thoughtless treatment. Thankfully, your intervention could mean all the difference for Nosey’s quality of life going forward.

We, the undersigned, wish to sincerely thank you on her behalf.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

Photo Credit: Jean