In closing arguments after a six-year court battle, the animal activists asked US District Judge Emmet Sullivan to stop the circus from harming the elephants during performances and punishing them for bad behavior.

Attorney Katherine Meyer, arguing for the animal rights groups, said she hoped the case would 'give voice to these magnificent animals.'

Feld Entertainment, which owns the circus, argues the animals are not hurt by the tools and that the instruments are necessary to keep the pachyderms under control and protect public safety.

Feld's attorneys say their 54 elephants are healthy, alert and well-cared for, including the 19 that travel with the show and 35 that live at the company's 80 hectare conservatory in the state of Florida. -- AP