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** Please note: There are two separate protest locations! Please see the "Details" section below. We will take a short break between the protests **Please join local PETA supporters for two important protests to urge Shriners International, outside of its 2026 Membership and Marketing Conference, to ban its member clubs from hosting notoriously cruel animal circuses!
Although Shriners International claims to be dedicated to compassion and service, elephants and other animals exploited in Shrine circuses live under the constant threat of being hit with bullhooks—sharp steel-tipped rods that resemble fireplace pokers—whips, and other weapons to force them to perform confusing and painful tricks. Shrine circuses routinely work with cruel exhibitors—such as Carson & Barnes Circus, whose appallingly long history of animal abuse includes citations for nearly 150 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act—to supply the animals for their acts. Video footage from Shrine circuses show elephants jabbed with a bullhook, a tiger being whipped in the face, and other animals suffering in despair.
Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus returned to the circus ring using only willing human participants, and it’s time for Shrine circuses to follow suit!
For more information and to take action, please visit: https://support.peta.org/page/1860/action/1?locale=en-US
HERE ARE THE DETAILS:
When: Thursday, November 5, 2026 at the following times:
• 8:30am – 10am (Capital Hilton: 1001 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036. Please see map here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/EJUQqpQu6s5bhM1m6)
• 12pm – 2:30pm (Scottish Rite House of the Temple, 1733 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20009. Please see map here: https://maps.app.goo.gl/43yc1GmtW4zwpe2TA)
Contact: Rowan Murray, [email protected]
We have a required dress code! Please dress sharply in a PETA T-shirt, nice pants, and close-toed shoes. We must ensure that the focus remains on the animals without any distractions that could shift people’s attention. T-shirts will be available on-site for everyone.
All materials, such as posters, will be provided.
Please refrain from bringing dogs, as there might not be a comfortable place for them to lie down during the protest.
Please join us for these important protests for animals. The animals need you! I hope to see you there!
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Event venue
Capital Hilton (1001 16th St NW, Washington D.C.), 1016 16th St NW, Washington, DC 20036-5700, United States
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