Austin, Texas, Is Latest City to Ban Bullhooks

August 1, 2015

The Austin, Texas, City Council has voted 10-1 to ban the use of bullhooks, and the ban will go into effect in October 2016. Bullhooks—heavy batons with a sharp metal hook on the end—are used to beat elephants who are forced to perform in Ringling Bros. circus, among other circuses.

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 Ingrid E. Newkirk

“Almost all of us grew up eating meat, wearing leather, and going to circuses and zoos. We never considered the impact of these actions on the animals involved. For whatever reason, you are now asking the question: Why should animals have rights?” READ MORE

— Ingrid E. Newkirk, PETA President and co-author of Animalkind