WILKES-BARRE, Pa. (AP) -- Police say an elephant at a northeastern Pennsylvania circus startled and kicked its animal trainer, killing him. It happened at around 5 p.m. Friday at the Irem Shrine Circus in Wilkes-Barre (WILKS'-behr-ee). The circus wasn't open at the time. Police say other trainers rushed to the area and were able to calm the elephant. They say the public was never at risk. It was not immediately clear what startled the animal. Police Lt. Steven Olshefski says the investigation has been turned over to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. An autopsy is scheduled for Saturday.

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A Message From Pat Derby

For years PAWS has been saying that elephants traveling in circuses are dangerous because of brutal training and treatment. This incident in Pennsylvania is one of many that happen when circus elephants are allowed to travel and are subjected to brutal training methods. Join PAWS in our campaign to banish the use of circus elephants.

Write Shrine Circus and tell them to stop using elephants in their shows.

Irem Shrine, P. O. Box 307, Dallas, PA 18612.

Shriners International Headquarters, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607, email: shrinepr@shrinenet.org.

For a list of upcoming Shrine Circus performances, CLICK HERE.

Email Shrine Circus: roger@shrinecircus.com

Write your local Congressperson and ask them to support legislation that would abolish elephants in traveling shows.