California State Senate Votes to Ban Bullhooks

The California State Senate voted 28 to eight to ban bullhook use with elephants, making it the first state to enact such a ban. A bullhook is a long rod with a sharp metal hook at the top. It’s one of the weapons used by circuses to beat elephants in the name of “training” in order to coerce them into performing tricks.

California’s bullhook ban is now in the hands of Gov. Jerry Brown, whose signature can turn the bill into law. When this historic ban goes into effect in 2018, no elephant in California will ever again be beaten, hooked, jabbed, or threatened with these weapons, or the wielder will pay a price.

Some individual cities—including Austin, Texas; Miami Beach, Florida; Oakland and Los Angeles, California; and Richmond, Virginia—have already banned bullhook use. While this is a step in the right direction, no animal should be forced to perform for our entertainment.

What You Can Do

Never patronize circuses or other shows that use animal acts.