Bullhooks have only one purpose--to inflict pain. They cause a great deal of suffering to elephants.

Bullhooks, without question, are painful to elephants. An elephant's skin is very sensitive. They can feel the pain of an insect bite.

Bullhooks resemble the shape of a fireplace poker. They have a heavy handle with two sharp metal points at the end.

Bullhooks are instruments of torture.

Circuses use bullhooks to punish elephants and force them to perform difficult and confusing tricks. Many Zoos also use bullhooks to discipline and handle their elephants.

Circuses AND zoos often claim the bullhook is just used as a guide, but if that were true, they would be using a soft cotton wand instead of a device that punctures the skin. Bullhooks can inflict serious wounds!!!!!!!! Not to mention, the psychological stress and fear the elephants experience just from the sight of a bullhook....

Therefore, we, the signers, believe that bullhooks are unnecessary tools to use with elephants. We propose a national ban on bullhooks effective immediately.