PETA to protest before Ringling Bros. circus show Wednesday at the Tampa Bay Times Forum

TAMPA — The animal rights group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals plans a protest as the circus prepares for its opening show at the Tampa Bay Times Forum.

The protest is scheduled for noon Wednesday at the Forum.

An "elephant" on crutches wearing a bloody bandage around its head will lead protesters before the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus prepares for its first show, according to a statement from PETA. The circus' show begins at 7:30 p.m.

The protest comes after actor Cloris Leachman sent Tampa Mayor Bob Buckhorn a letter stating that Ringling routinely forces sick and arthritic elephants to perform in shows.

Leachman and PETA are asking Buckhorn to prohibit the circus from using ailing animals in the show.

"Forcing elephants to perform painful contortions despite ill health is cruel — and it could be a death sentence," said PETA director Delcianna Winders in a statement. "We're telling families that if their children or grandchildren love animals, the last place they should go is this kind of circus."