No Defense Witnesses Called in Circus Case

The elephant abuse trial against one of the circus world’s leading animal trainers took a surprise turn Thursday when the defense declined to call witnesses, claiming the prosecution had not proved its case.

The move came on the third day of a trial where Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus performer Mark Oliver Gebel is charged with gouging an elephant with a hooked stick at a recent show.

Gebel attorney James McManis said the evidence presented by six prosecution witnesses, including experts and a police officer, was so weak that he didn’t need to present a defense.

“I think there’s no need to rebut a non-case,” circus spokeswoman Catherine Ort-Mabry said after the court session. “We believe the jury will look through the emotion and all the rabble-rousing and propaganda around this and realize that nothing actually happened that day.”

Jury deliberations are expected to begin today. Gebel, the 31-year-old son of legendary animal trainer Gunther Gebel-Williams, could face six months in jail and a $1,000 fine.

The case is being closely watched by animal rights advocates across the country who have long accused the world’s leading circus of using brutal training methods on its animals.

Circus officials said the case marks the first time that one of their performers has faced criminal charges. Ringling Bros.’ animal practices have come under U.S. scrutiny in the past, however.

In one case, the circus was accused by the U.S. Department of Agriculture of not providing adequate medical treatment to an elephant that later died. That case was settled after the circus agreed to donate $20,000 to elephant-related causes.

In the San Jose case, witnesses have testified that Gebel was leading a line of elephants into the Compaq Arena when he yelled at an elephant and lunged toward her with an ankus, a hooked metal stick that resembles a fireplace poker.

A nickel-sized bloodstain was later found just under the elephant’s left front leg, according to the testimony. Expert witnesses who reviewed photographs of the alleged wound testified that they believe that the elephant’s skin was punctured.

California is the only state to prohibit the use of tools to discipline or punish an elephant. Circus officials have said Gebel would never injure an elephant.