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Thomas Edison Electrocutes An Elephant (1903)

submitted by rasch187

1 decade 4 years 5 months ago

In an attempt to discredit Westinghouse and Tesla by showing how dangerous AC electricity is, Thomas Edison electrocuted an elephant named Topsy.

Because she had killed three men in as many years (including a severely abusive trainer who attempted to feed her a lit cigarette), Topsy was deemed a threat to people by her owners and killed by electrocution on January 4, 1903. Hanging was actually considered. However, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals protested and other ways were considered. Edison then suggested electrocution with alternating current, which had been used for the execution of humans since 1890.

That's right, in America they even have capitol punishment for animals. Off to the gallows with them!