PETA protesters reportedly detained by police in Buford after dumping coal on lawn

BUFORD, Ga. - Three PETA supporters staged a dramatic protest last night, dressing as elves and an elephant Santa to deliver a pointed holiday-themed message. 

The trio dumped three wheelbarrows full of coal onto the front lawn of Richard Burke, the Imperial Potentate of Shriners International, in Buford. 

The protest, according to the activists, was part of their ongoing campaign to pressure Shriners International to stop using animals in their circuses. PETA has long argued that animal performances are cruel and outdated, urging organizations to adopt animal-free alternatives.

Police were called to the scene, where they confronted and detained the three protesters for nearly two hours, according to PETA. Authorities have not yet released a statement on the incident. 

Shriners International has not issued a public response to the incident. The protest is one of several actions by animal rights activists during the holiday season.