Circus company goes on trial in spy suit

[kpete]

Posted 2/27/2006 8:18 PM


Circus company goes on trial in spy suit

FAIRFAX, Va. (AP) — The nation's largest circus went on trial Monday on allegations that it ran an extensive corporate espionage campaign against an animal-rights group and hired a former CIA operative to help conduct the operation.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals sued Vienna, Va.-based Feld Entertainment, which produces the Ringling Bros. circus, more than four years ago, claiming the company's president supervised the spying efforts.

PETA claims circus operatives stole sensitive documents such as donor lists. It is seeking $1.8 million in legal fees and damages, as well as full disclosure of the alleged spying activities.

PETA attorney Philip Hirschkop described company President Kenneth Feld as "one of the wealthiest men in the Washington area" who "runs a billion-dollar business." Feld had fought unsuccessfully in pretrial hearings to prevent disclosure of his financial statements.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2006-02-27-circus-spy_x.htm

[niyad]

1. always knew I despised circuses.