Cruelty charges on Lankan elephant: owners to stand trial

The owners of a circus elephant accused of animal cruelty will stand trial over the allegations.

Bobby and Moira Roberts, of Brook Farm in Oundle, UK are charged with three offences relating to the care of Anne the Sri Lankan elephant, who was part of the Bobby Roberts Super Circus.

Their case has been before magistrates in Northamptonshire and, following hours of legal argument, a trial date has been set for November.

The couple are charged with causing the elephant unnecessary suffering, failing to take reasonable steps to prevent an employee from causing unnecessary suffering by beating, and failing to ensure the elephant's needs were met.

They have denied all the charges, which include allegedly keeping Anne, who is nearly 60 and was brought from Sri Lanka to the Bobby Roberts Super Circus in Peterborough in the 1950s, chained to the ground at all times.

Tim Phillips, campaigns director Animal Defenders International (ADI) said: "We are delighted that Anne's owners will finally face trial.

"This is the first test of the intention of the Animal Welfare Act, 2006, which was that owners can be held responsible for what happens to their animals. This is an important case that will affect animals in years to come. We are delighted that it is now proceeding and hope there will be no further delays."

The organisation started a private prosecution, which was brought under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, in July last year, but the Crown Prosecution Service later took over.

Arthritic Anne is now living at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire to see out her days in a 13-acre paddock with her owners' consent. Bobby and Moira Roberts are expected to go on trial at either Corby or Kettering Magistrates' Court on November 19.

Courtesy: Peterbough Telegraph