Ringling admits handlers use elephant prods

Ringling admits handlers use elephant prods The head of the company that owns the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus acknowledged in federal court Tuesday that all his elephant handlers strike the animals with metal-tipped prods, but he said it's necessary to keep the huge animals under control and doesn't harm them. Feld Entertainment Chairman/Chief Executive Officer Kenneth Feld said the circus probably couldn't have elephants without the prods -- called bull hooks -- and chains that are at the center of a trial in U.S. District Court. He said the prods and restraints are needed to protect the safety of his staff and the public. Animal rights groups are suing Feld Entertainment, saying the use of those instruments harms the company's 54 Asian elephants, an animal protected by the Endangered Species Act. The trial has been going on for a month.

The defense opened its case Tuesday by calling Feld. He said that he has no tolerance for mistreatment of circus animals and that employees are trained on proper policies and encouraged to report abuse. But under cross-examination, he said the company has no policy to make sure he's personally aware of abuse investigations. He said he's seen handlers hit elephants under the chin, behind the ears or on the legs with a bull hook -- which resembles a thick fireplace poker with a curved metal hook -- describing it as a standard practice to "correct" or "guide" the animals. "I don't view what I've seen as abuse," he said.

Madoff to give up business and its artworks Bernard Madoff has agreed to give up the rights to his disgraced investment business, Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities, and his company's prized artwork and entertainment tickets. An official for an organization providing relief to investors said Tuesday that some checks may be in the mail this month. The trustee overseeing the liquidation of Madoff's business, Irving Picard, did not specify the value of the property. The goal is to put some of Madoff's remaining assets in the hands of investors who lost their life savings amid the scandal; there are signs that some of them could see relief in coming weeks.