California state senator Ricardo Lara (D-Bell Gardens) has introduced legislation to update the state's existing criminal laws protecting elephants from abuse by prohibiting the use of a bullhook or similar devices. (Read the press release here.) PAWS is proud to be a key sponsor of SB 716, alongside the Humane Society of the United States and the Oakland Zoo.

The bullhook is a steel-tipped weapon resembling a fireplace poker, with a sharp tip and hook at the end. It is used to dominate and control elephants through pain and fear. Handlers forcefully prod, hook and strike elephants on sensitive parts of their bodies before and during performances, and as a matter of routine handling. Even when not in use, the bullhook is a constant reminder of the painful punishment that can be delivered at any time.

PAWS has worked with elephants for more than 30 years. Even through we work with bulls and other potentially dangerous elephants on a daily basis, we have never once used a bullhook. There simply is no way to humanely use a bullhook.

Public sentiment regarding performing wild animals is rapidly changing. The largest circus in the world just decided to end its elephant acts by 2018, citing public concern with the use of elephants for entertainment and the increasing number of local ordinances prohibiting the use of elephants or use of the bullhook. PAWS played a key role in passing bullhook bans in Los Angeles and Oakland, California.

In California elephants continue to be used in visiting circuses, for rides and other entertainment, meaning they are subjected to the abusive bullhook. Please help us end the use of this cruel and outdated weapon.

Take action - California residents only, please

1.  Call your state senator and urge support for SB 716. To locate your senator and locate her or his phone number, click here . Choose the link to your state senator, which will take you to that person's home page. (Click on "Contact" to find the phone number if it is not listed on the right hand side of the home page.)

Photo by Brian E. Rodriguez

When calling, simply state: "I am a constituent and I am calling to ask that the Senator please support SB 716, legislation that would prohibit the use of bullhooks on elephants."

2. Send a message to your state senator via the on-line contact form. (You can usually find this on your senator's home page menu under "Contact.")

Sample message (please personalize as much as possible to make your email even more effective):

Dear Senator:

As your constituent, I am urging you to support SB 716, legislation that would protect captive elephants by prohibiting use of the bullhook on elephants.

The bullhook is a steel-tipped weapon resembling a fireplace poker, with a sharp tip and hook at the end. It is used to dominate and control elephants through pain and fear. Handlers forcefully prod, hook and strike elephants on sensitive parts of their bodies before and during performances, and as a matter of routine handling. Even when not in use, the bullhook is a constant reminder of the painful punishment that can be delivered at any time.

The cities of Los Angeles and Oakland have both banned the bullhook - it is now time to end this inhumane practice across the entire state.

Please protect elephants by supporting SB 716. 

3. Donate to PAWS. Since its inception in 1984, PAWS has been a leader in the fight to protect performing wild animals. Please make a contribution today so we can continue to make the changes that are desperately needed for captive wild and exotic animals. Click here to make a donation today!