AN ACT CONCERNING THE TREATMENT OF ELEPHANTS.

This bill makes it a class A misdemeanor for certain people to use any implement or device on an elephant that may reasonably be expected to harm it. The bill specifies that:

1. harm includes damaging, scarring, or breaking an elephant's skin;

2. any implement or device that is used, purchased, contrived, or constructed to shock, poke, strike, hit, or stab an elephant or pinch or pierce its skin is an implement or device that reasonably may be expected to result in damaging, scarring, or breaking an elephant's skin; and

3. these implements or devices include an electric prod, a bullhook, an ankus, or a similar device.

The bill makes it a class B misdemeanor for certain people to possess such an implement or device.

By law, a class A misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to one year in prison, a fine of up to $ 2,000, or both. Under the bill, each day the violation continues the person commits a separate and distinct offense. A class B misdemeanor carries a penalty of up to six months in prison, a fine of up to $ 1,000, or both.

The bill only applies to those who house, possess, travel with, or are in contact with an elephant kept at a stationary facility or used in a circus or traveling show in Connecticut.

1. “circus” means a performance by a live animal, clown, or acrobat under a class C license issued in accordance with the provisions of the federal Animal Welfare Act (7 USC § 2131 et seq);

2. “person” means an individual, sole proprietorship, trust, corporation, limited liability company, union, association, firm, partnership, committee, club, or other organization or group; and

3. “traveling show” means a circus, public show, trade show, photographic opportunity, carnival, city or county fair, agricultural fair, ride, parade, race, performance, or a similar event at which elephants do not permanently reside or that moves elephants to different locations.

Under the bill, a traveling show does not mean the transportation of elephants to obtain required medical services for the elephants or for the exchange of elephants between sanctuaries.

An ankus (which is sometimes referred to as a bullhook) is a tool used to train elephants. It consists of a sharp, pointed hook that is attached to a long handle.

Yea

Nay

(03/21/2007)