Animal Rights Activists Sue Company Over Movie Elephant

PERRIS, Calif. (AP) -- Animal rights activists have sued a Riverside County company that provided an elephant used in the movie "Water for Elephants."

   The suit was filed last week in Los Angeles federal court against Have Trunk Will Travel of Perris. It claims that the business defrauded two moviegoers who believed that the elephant used in "Water for Elephants" was properly treated.

   The suit claims that the business used electric shock devices on the elephant.

   Have Trunk Will Travel rents six elephants for movies, weddings, fairs and other special events.

   Company owners Gary and Kari Johnson deny the abuse allegations. Kari Johnson tells the Riverside Press-Enterprise that the business has a stellar record of animal care and stands by its training methods.