Update (July 20, 2016): VICTORY! The governor signed H. 8197 into law.
Bill Description:
This bill would, beginning January 1, 2017, prohibit any person who houses, possesses, or is in direct contact with an elephant in a traveling show from using, or permitting an employee, agent, or contractor to use, a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or other device designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant.[teaserbreak]
Background:
The bullhook is perhaps the most notorious weapon in the elephant trainer’s arsenal. It is a long, thick pole with a sharp metal hook attached to the end used to inflict pain as negative reinforcement. Elephants have thick but highly sensitive skin. Trainers often embed the hook into the soft tissue behind the ears, inside the ear or mouth, under the trunk and chin, in the armpit area, on the back of the legs, in and around the anus, and in tender spots around the feet.
Owners of performing elephants mislead the public with spurious claims that a bullhook—euphemistically called a “guide”—is akin to using a leash on a dog or reins on a horse. However, numerous testimonies, videos, and USDA inspection reports paint appalling, indelible images of abuse. Elephants vocalize in distress and recoil in fear and pain while being punished with bullhooks. Elephants who fail to cooperate may be restrained and beaten into submission, often by several people, and always out of sight of the public. After that type of abuse, simply holding the bullhook near the elephant when in front of an audience is threatening enough to compel obedience.
Read the full text here.