SPCA to charge Boswell for elephant abuse

The National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has filed a case against Brian Boswell's Circus after a cellphone video captured two circus employees hitting elephants.

The footage, taken in December, aired on Carte Blanche on Sunday night, causing a huge spike of support for the "Boycott Brian Boswell Animal Circus" Facebook page.

"We've always suspected this is the case, but this is finally documented proof," said Ainsley Hay, acting manager of the SPCA's wildlife unit.

Boswell could be fined and lose his animals if found guilty in court, Hay said.

While the SPCA said it had corresponded with the circus's lawyers in January, Boswell said he did not know of charges being filed. He said the two employees in the video had been fired.

"It's not in our interest to be cruel or horrible to [ the elephants]. Why would you do that? They are expensive."

Though McLaren Circus doesn't use elephants, it expressed its support for Boswell.

"I would have been more concerned if I saw the animal trainers doing what was done to the elephants," said its spokesman, Arnold Dickson, adding that the two in the video were groomers.