The inspection report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture was released Monday by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA complained about the practice late last year and trumpeted the USDA decision.

"When elephants, dogs, and human handlers freely mix, everyone is in danger," Delcianna Winders, a lawyer for PETA, said in a statement. "PETA is calling on the Pittsburgh Zoo to switch to safe and modern elephant-management method - or, better yet, to retire the elephants to an accredited sanctuary where they'll be free from harassment for the rest of their lives."

According to the Jan. 7 inspection report, the zoo was ordered to immediately stop using the dogs in ways that upset the elephants.