OTTAWA — A Shriner has been charged with assault after scuffling with an animal-rights protester outside a Shrine Circus performance in Ottawa last year.

The altercation on Aug. 10 was caught on video and posted online.

Amid a heated discussion between protesters and Shriners about where members of the Ottawa Animal Defense League were allowed to conduct their demonstration, Lionel Rowe, chairman of the Capital Shrine Club, can be seen in the background of the video running from protester Len Goldberg.

WARNING: This video contains language that may offend some viewers.

The Defense League claims Rowe took a Shriner-styled fez off Goldberg's head. He was wearing it as part of "a theatrical OADL stunt" during the protest about animals being used in circuses.

A shaking phone camera then captures a scuffle between the two men.

The protesters say Goldberg was put into a choke-hold that lasted about 30 seconds and only ended when the attacker's hands were pried off.

Rowe has been charged with assault and theft.

doug.hempstead@sunmedia.ca

Twitter: @DougHempstead