More than 50 notable figures in the entertainment industry have come out as supporters of a bill that would ban the use of bullhooks on elephants in California.
Authored by Sen. Ricardo Lara, D-Bell Gardens, and Assembly member Rob Bonta, D-Oakland, SB 716 will be heard by the Assembly Arts, Entertainment, Sports, Tourism and Internet Media Committee on July 14. This bill is also supported by The Humane Society of the United States, the Performing Animal Welfare Society and the Oakland Zoo.
Sen. Ricardo Lara said: “It’s time to say adios to devices used to torture elephants in California. Several cities have already taken a stand against this form of abuse and now our entire state must demonstrate leadership. We must protect our elephants and ban this inhumane treatment.”
Members of the entertainment industry urge the passage of SB 716 in a petition that will be presented at the July 14 hearing. The petition reads, in part “There is no excuse for treating elephants cruelly for entertainment’s sake. Today, zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and bona fide sanctuaries in California use positive reinforcement and food rewards to train elephants, while providing excellent care. None of them use the bullhook. The worst abuses take place away from the view of the public and law enforcement. The only sure way to protect elephants is to prohibit use of the bullhook.”
Supporters include: Bob Barker, Kim Basinger, Kristin Bauer van Straten, Jason Biggs, Jorja Fox, Woody Harrelson, Anjelica Huston, Shirley Manson, Ross McCall, Rose McGowan, Lea Michele, Kevin Nealon, Edward Norton, Nikki Reed, Sia, Ian Somerhalder, Hilary Swank, Lily Tomlin and many more.
