On December 9 , 2008 , animal rights organization People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals ( PETA ) issued a press release condemning Spears for using " cruelly trained lions and elephants " and demanding her to " stop using exotic animals in her videos and concerts once and for all " . Spears had previously received criticism from the organization when she used an albino python and a caged tiger during a performance of " I 'm a Slave 4 U " at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards . Kari Johnson from Have Trunk Will Travel responded , saying , " the company has never issued a written endorsement , nor does it condone using electrical devices to discipline and control elephants except in situations where elephant or human safety is at risk . ... The American Humane Association monitors animal action in film and television . A representative was on the set of the Britney Spears ' Circus ' video with our elephants , Tai and Kitty , to ensure their safety and welfare ... Britney , the director , producers and the entire crew were respectful of the elephants ' needs and comfort and a pleasure to work with . " Circus got a certified in the digital platform VEVO after reach 100 million views on YouTube
2001 MTV Video Music Awards
2001 MTV Video Music Awards
Circus (song)