Long Beach Press Telegram

http://www.presstelegram.com/opinion/20150622/california-should-ban-use-of-bullhooks-on-elephants-guest-commentary

California should ban use of bullhooks on elephants: Guest commentary

In this 2006 file photo, Tom Rider, a former circus elephant trainer, shows a bullhook that is used by some elephant trainers. (AP Photo/Nati Harnik, File)

Posted: 06/22/15, 11:29 AM PDT

By Nicole Paquette

First it was Los Angeles, then Oakland. Now it’s time for the entire state of California to pass legislation that would ban the use of bullhooks on elephants in traveling shows and circuses.

Senate Bill 716, by Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Long Beach, will prohibit bullhooks, a feared weapon used to dominate these normally gentle giants. Although circuses have attempted to euphemistically rename this purposely cruel device as a “guide,” the bullhook is as harsh as it sounds. Bullhooks, which resemble fireplace pokers, have a long handle, sharp metal hook and a spiked tip. They are weapons with only one purpose: to cause pain, suffering and fear in elephants. A bullhook can inflict lacerations, puncture wounds and abscesses to an elephant’s sensitive skin, which is rich in nerve endings and susceptible to abrasions. If anyone used a bullhook to train a dog, it would be deemed cruelty to animals.

The bullhook is not only cruel, but completely unnecessary. No sanctuary or zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in California uses this device. California’s Oakland Zoo pioneered the use of protected contact on elephants more than 20 years ago and it is now a widely used training method that is recognized as superior. This management style relies solely on positive reinforcement, such as food treats and praise, and physical barriers, such as a fence line or training walls to keep both trainers and elephants safe. Elephants voluntarily cooperate with training exercises and husbandry procedures.

Even Ringling Bros. is phasing out elephants in its shows due to the public’s overwhelming opposition to the mistreatment of elephants for entertainment. Organizations and municipalities such as The Humane Society of the United States, the Oakland Zoo, the Performing Animal Welfare Society, the Board of Supervisors for the city and county of San Francisco, the city of Oakland and numerous humane societies, SPCAs, leading elephant veterinarians, scientists, researchers and elephant conservation organizations are strong supporters of SB 716.

It is time for legislators to pass SB 716 and help end the abuse of elephants in captivity.

Nicole Paquette is vice president of wildlife protection at The Humane Society of the United States.

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