Update: Sadly, this bill did not complete the legislative process prior to adjournment.
Bill Description: If passed, this bill would make it unlawful for an owner or manager of elephants to engage in abusive treatment toward them. Specifically, this bill bans the use of electricity or martingales; deprivation of food, water, or rest; and physical punishment resulting in damage, scarring, or breakage of the skin.
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Captive elephants need to be protected from antiquated practices that should have disappeared a long time ago. Various devices are used to train, punish, and control elephants. Force, intimidation, and even pain in training sessions are common practices in order to render elephants submissive and to train elephants to perform tricks. Numerous facilities, such as zoos and sanctuaries, are presently taking care of elephants without resorting to such inhumane tactics. It is time that the circus industry updates its practices to be more humane.