PETA Statement re Rhode Island Passage of Bullhook Ban

For Immediate Release:
July 20, 2016

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Below, please find a statement from PETA Foundation Counsel and Manager of Legislative Affairs Gabe Walters in response to Rhode Island’s bullhook ban, which was signed by Gov. Gina Raimondo today:

PETA thanks Gov. Gina Raimondo for making Rhode Island the first state to ban bullhooks, joining the many cities and counties across the U.S. that have outlawed these weapons resembling fireplace pokers with a sharp metal hook on one end that are used to yank and gouge elephants in order to force them to perform. PETA encourages other states to get with the times and follow Rhode Island’s progressive and compassionate example so that no elephant is ever abused again under the big top.

PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment,” and more information about bullhooks is available here.