Story Outline

Ringling Brothers Trainer on Trial for Animal Abuse From a news story by CNN San Francisco Reporter James Hattori December 19, 2001

I. Ringling Brothers performs elephant acts as part of their circus.

A. These acts have been part of the circus for 131 years.
B. Now they have been accused of elephant abuse.

II. Mark Gebel is an elephant trainer.

A. He is 31 years old.
B. His father Gunther Gebel-Williams was a famous elephant trainer.

III. A circus was held in San Jose, California last August

A. A police officer said she saw Mark Gebel hurt an elephant.

1. She saw him jump at at elephant with a hook.
2. He looked like he was angry.

B. The Humane Society says elephant abuse is against California law.

IV. There are two sides of the story.

A. The Humane Society says there was abuse,

1. A photo shows bloodstain on the elephant.
2. This kind of abuse happens often in circuses.

B. The circus says this isn't abuse

1. They have a photo showing a pin prick.
2. Mark is being accused because of his famous name.

V. If found guilty, Mark could spend 6 months in jail and have a one-thousand dollar fine.

VI. The circus continues as usual.

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