The suit against Have Trunk will Travel of Perris was filed last week in Los Angeles federal court. It claims that the business defrauded two moviegoers who believed the elephant used in "Water for Elephants" was properly treated.
The suit claims the business used electric shock devises on the elephant.
Have Trunk Will Travel rents six elephants for movies, weddings, fairs and other special events.
Company owners Gary and Kari Johnson deny the abuse allegations. Kari Johnson tells the Riverside Press-Enterprise that the business has a stellar record of animal care and stands by its training methods.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
