USDA orders Pittsburgh zoo to stop using elephant dogs

PITTSBURGH (AP) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture has ordered Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to stop using dogs to help control its elephants and protect human handlers.

The inspection report, dated Jan. 7, was released today by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA complained about the practice late last year.

According to the inspection report, the zoo was ordered to stop using the dogs immediately.

Zoo spokeswoman Tracy Gray says the facility is preparing a public response to the government’s findings.

The inspection report shows a USDA official essentially found what PETA had complained about, namely that dogs growled and lunged at the elephants — and sometimes bit them — “which may cause undue stress to the elephants.”

The USDA says the zoo must control the elephants without causing them “behavioral stress.”