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One of the most famous animals to be inhumanely killed is Topsy the Elephant. Topsy was a circus elephant who gained notoriety after being brought to Coney Island’s Luna Park in New York. In 1903, after reportedly attacking several people in response to prolonged mistreatment, Topsy was sentenced to be euthanized. Instead of a more humane method, however, park owners publicly executed her via electrocution in a display meant to discourage animal violence, which was also filmed. This spectacle was associated with Thomas Edison, who used it as a demonstration of the dangers of alternating current (AC) electricity, part of his rivalry with Nikola Tesla. Topsy’s death led to public outcry over animal cruelty and is remembered as a tragic example of inhumane treatment.

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