Austin, Texas, Is Latest City to Ban Bullhooks

August 1, 2015

The Austin, Texas, City Council has voted 10-1 to ban the use of bullhooks, and the ban will go into effect in October 2016. Bullhooks—heavy batons with a sharp metal hook on the end—are used to beat elephants who are forced to perform in Ringling Bros. circus, among other circuses.