PETA Statement: Pittsburgh Bans Bullhooks and Other Weapons!

For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2017

Contact:
Megan Wiltsie 202-483-7382

Please see the following statement from PETA Foundation Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews regarding Pittsburgh’s “bullhook plus” ban, which passed during today’s city council hearing and makes it illegal to use any instrument designed to inflict pain on an animal:

PETA is sending a box of delicious vegan chocolates to Pittsburgh City Council President Bruce Kraus as thanks for sponsoring the ordinance banning bullhooks—weapons that resemble fireplace pokers with a sharp metal hook on one end used to beat elephants—as well as any other instrument designed to hurt an animal. This ban affects not only circuses but also the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium, which dropped its accreditation in 2015 rather than dropping its bullhooks and which must now finally stop terrorizing elephants with them—so the city will be a kinder place for animals.

PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment,” and more information about bullhooks is available here. Please let me know if you have any questions or if there is any further information that I can provide.