Update: Unfortunately, this bill did not complete the legislative process this session.
Bill Description: If this bill passes, it will make it unlawful for a person who travels with elephants to engage in inhumane or abusive treatment toward them. Specifically, this bill prohibits the use of cruel training devices such as the bullhook (ankus) and chains.
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This bill will go a long way in protecting captive elephants from antiquated practices that should have disappeared a long time ago. The bullhook is the most common device used to train, punish, and control elephants. Both ends of the bullhook are used to inflict damage. The hook is used to apply varying degrees of pressure to sensitive spots on an elephant’s body. The handle end can be used as a club. Forceful use of the bullhook in training sessions is common practice to render elephants submissive and to train elephants to perform tricks. The bullhook is used as an intimidation device once elephant trainers are in view of the public. Evidence from a pending lawsuit against Ringling Bros. reveals that all of the circus’s elephant handlers strike elephants with bullhooks, frequently and repeatedly. Numerous facilities, such as zoos and sanctuaries, are presently taking care of elephants without the use of the bullhook. It is time that the circus industry updates its practices to be more humane.