In March 2011, a daring ADI investigation exposed the sickening abuse of Anne the elephant and other animals at Bobby Roberts’ Super Circus winter quarters in the UK.

The horrific images that ADI caught on film of Anne, chained and being beaten sent shock waves around the world. Within two weeks Anne was removed from the circus. A month later the circus gave up Monty the camel.

Due to the public interest in the case, the Crown Prosecution Service agreed to take on the prosecution of Bobby and Moira Roberts and on 23 November 2012, Bobby Roberts was found guilty of mistreatment to Anne the elephant.

• To find out more about the case see our ‘Latest news’ section below.
• Find out more about Anne the elephant here

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Anne’s terrible ordeal would be continuing now if it had not been for ADI investigators. Help us expose suffering and save more animals like Anne who’s suffering otherwise goes unseen.

• Donate toward our investigations now.

Latest News

ADI comments on outcome of Anne the elephant trial

On 23 November 2012 Bobby Roberts, owner of the Bobby Roberts Super Circus, became the first circus owner to be found guilty of offences under the Animal Welfare Act (2006). Read more…

Court shown ADI video of Anne the elephant being beaten and kicked

Harrowing ADI video footage was shown in court on Monday 19th, November, as the trial began of circus owners Bobby and Moira Roberts at Northampton Crown Court. Read more…

Circus bosses on trial for cruelty to elephant by worker

The trial of circus owners Bobby and Moira Roberts started on Monday 19 November. Read more…

Circus owners in court following ADI investigation

An update from the Summer 2012 issue of our Animal Defender magazine. Read here…

Anne the elephant trial delayed until November

June 19: Following a fifth hearing for legal arguments today at Kettering Magistrates Court, District Judge Chinnery ruled that the trial of Bobby and Moira Roberts is to proceed, but delayed until November. Charges relate to video recordings of beatings of Anne the elephant, taken by Animal Defenders International (ADI) investigators at the Bobby Roberts Super Circus winter quarters in Polebrook, in January and February 2011. Read more…

Fourth Pre-Trial Hearing For Anne The Elephant Court Case

On 4 May, ADI representatives will attend the fourth pre-trial hearing of the landmark case against Bobby and Moira Roberts, who will lay out their defence on charges that they failed in their duty of care to protect Anne. Read more…

Trial extended and ADI investigators called ‘extremists’ by defence team

At today’s pre-trial hearing it was agreed to allocate an entire week to the court proceedings in June, representing a three day extension from the original dates. The legal team of circus owners Bobby and Moira Roberts were also rebuked by both the CPS and the Magistrate for referring to ADI investigators as ‘extremists’.Read more

Third Pre-Trial Hearing for Anne Court Case

This Friday morning at a pre-trial hearing at Corby Magistrates Court, Northants, Bobby and Moira Roberts will lay out their defence on charges that they failed in their duty of care to protect Anne the elephant. Read more…

Anne court case – Pre-trial hearing 16 February 2012

At today’s pre-trial hearing at Corby Magistrates Court, Northants, the legal team of circus owners Bobby and Moira Roberts was criticised by the Magistrate after again failing to submit all their defence statements. A third pre-trail hearing has now been set.
Read more…

Pre Trial Hearing For Anne The Elephant Court Case

Thursday 16 February, 10am: This Thursday morning at a pre-trial hearing at Corby Magistrates Court, Bobby and Moira Roberts will lay out their defence on charges that they failed in their duty of care to protect Anne.
Read more…

Court case for Anne the elephant set for June 2012

Duty of care and responsibility of owners to be tested in landmark case as Bobby and Moira Roberts plead “not guilty”.
Read more…

First court appearance for circus bosses charged over cruelty to Anne the elephant

In a landmark case, the trial of Bobby and Moira Roberts will begin on the 1st December at Corby Magistrates Court for offences under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.
Read more…

A message to supporters wishing to follow the Bobby and Moira Roberts trial

From Jan Creamer, ADI Chief Executive.
Read more…

ADI calls for Anne the elephant’s plight to become symbolic of UK wild animals in circuses ban

Sir Paul McCartney pledges support for ADI’s campaign along with cross-party MPs.
Read more…

CPS Statement on Anne the Elephant

The Crown Prosecution Service has agreed to take on the prosecution of Anne’s previous owners Bobby and Moira Roberts.
Read more…

Make a donation

ADI undertook the investigation that exposed Anne’s suffering and ADI paid all the legal costs to bring this case to court and try and secure justice for Anne. Help us get justice for Anne and other suffering animals. Donate towards our legal costs now…