City Joins Other South Florida Towns in Telling Circuses to Stay out if They Beat Elephants and Tigers
For Immediate Release:
December 19, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Hallandale Beach, Fla. -- In a move that could inspire cities throughout Florida and beyond, the Hallandale Beach City Commission voted last night to ban the use of bullhooks—weapons with a sharp steel hook that are used to gouge and beat elephants—as well as whips used on tigers and electric prods. So PETA is sending a box of elephant-shaped chocolates to the commission to show the group's appreciation. The action means that Ringling Bros. and Barnum& Bailey Circus, Cole Bros. Circus, and other notoriously cruel ciruses that rely on bullhooks to keep elephants in constant fear of being whacked and also use whips on tigers will be prohibited from exhibiting these animals in the city.
"By banning the cruel use of bullhooks and whips, Hallandale Beach is continuing a trend that is setting South Florida apart as an ethical leader," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "The commission's action puts Ringling Bros. and other circuses on notice that forcing elephants and tigers to perform through beatings will no longer be tolerated."
PETA has gathered extensive video and photographic evidence showing Ringling trainers and handlers as they beat and jab elephants—including babies—with bullhooks as well as the abuse of tigers and other animals. PETA dispatched an action alert to area members to contact the commission and attend the final-vote meeting to show support for the measure. PETA also directly sent the commission hard evidence of Ringling's routine abuse of animals, in case Ringling furnishes any misinformation.
Hallandale Beach joins Pompano Beach, Hollywood, and Margate, Fla.; Fulton County, Ga.; Southampton, N.Y.; and other municipalities nationwide in prohibiting the use of bullhooks.
For more information, please visit PETA's blog.