In October 2013, the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners received a letter from a resident seeking to "ban the use of painful devices on certain animals."  Ordinance 2013-07 would ban the use of bullhooks, electric prods and whips on elephants, felines, and primates to control animal behavior while they are on display, used for entertainment purposes, or being trained in the unincorporated area of Clatsop County.  A related request to ban circus animals in the County was introduced in March 2010 (Ordinance 2011-13) and was voted down after being placed on the May 2012 primary ballot.

Full text of ordinance and citizens' letters is available as a PDF file at http://co.clatsop.or.us/Assets/dept_6/pdf/minutes_agendas/BCC11-13-13reg.pdf.  Go to page 224 of PDF document for bullhook agenda item.