The U.S. Department of Agriculture has ordered Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium to stop using dogs to help control its elephants and protect human handlers.

The inspection report, dated Jan. 7, was released Monday by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. PETA complained about the practice late last year.

According to the inspection report, the zoo was ordered to stop using the dogs immediately.

Zoo spokesman Tracy Gray says the facility is preparing a public response to the government's findings.

The inspection report shows a USDA official essentially found what PETA had complained about, namely that dogs growled and lunged at the elephants — and sometimes bit them — “which may cause undue stress to the elephants.”

The USDA said the zoo must control the elephants without causing them “behavioral stress.”

A Pittsburgh Public Works driver was trapped when his salt and plow truck skidded on ice, slid into a hillside and flipped on its side.Rescue crews cut into the cabin and pulled the driver from the truck early Tuesday. Officials said he was hospitalized as a precaution.Officials said the truck began to skid in the 100-block of Danley Street in the city's Elliot neighborhood and flipped near Rudd Street.They said the truck is a total loss.