In one of the more interesting stories to come out of the rock world recently, PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) has asked legendary Seattle rockers Alice In Chains to change their name. PETA is attempting to rescue a 56-year-old disabled circus elephant named Betty. According to the organization, Betty is being forced to perform nearly 300 shows a year.
That’s where Alice In Chains enter the story. The organization wrote to the band: “Dear Jerry, Sean, Mike, and William, coming to you with a wonderfully strange request from us at PETA. Would Alice in Chains be willing to go by Betty in Chains across social media — for a month — to spotlight a dear elephant who literally spends her life in chains? In a nutshell, we’re turning up the volume on our efforts to rescue an elderly, disabled elephant named Betty, who is being forced to perform in roughly 300 circuses each year. Betty’s over 56 years old, was taken as a baby from Thailand, and has been used in circuses for more than five decades. An elephant expert who recently examined Betty warns that she faces a fatal collapse if not immediately retired to a reputable sanctuary.”
The letter continued: “By lending (a version of) your iconic name, you could set the stage for freedom, amplify her story to millions, and change the course of history for all animals used in circuses. Will you help us show the world that Betty’s not fighting this battle alone? Let’s make some noise, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA).”
