Gardaí investigate treatment of elephant at Dublin circus

Animal rights activists have lodged a formal garda complaint over the alleged mistreatment of elephants at a circus currently performing in Dublin.

The Captive Animal Protection Society claims one of the elephants at Circus Sydney has a severe leg injury and is need of urgent veterinary treatment.

However, it is still being made to perform.

CAPS representative Nuala Donlon has accused the elephant handler of assaulting her and causing her a hand injury while she was trying to photograph the animal earlier this week.

Another group, the Alliance for Animal Rights, claims one of its activists was also assaulted by an animal handler while handing out leaflets outside the circus on the same night.

Complaints have been made to gardaí about both incidents.