Officials seize alligators, turtles in NW Pa.

WASHINGTON -October 28, 2011 The U.S. Court of Appeals in Washington agreed Friday with a lower court judge that the Animal Protection Institute and a former Ringling elephant trainer did not have the legal standing to sue the circus.

The lawsuit claimed the circus is violating the elephants' protection under the Endangered Species Act with the use of bullhooks for training and prolonged chaining during train rides between shows.

Vienna, Va.-based Feld Entertainment argued the elephants are not hurt and that the instruments are necessary to keep the animals under control and protect public safety. The company runs the circus and has an elephant sanctuary in Florida.