Atlanta animal control mired in bullhook dispute

With the county's animal control services agreement with Atlanta about to expire, Fulton commissioners will decide Wednesday whether to sign a new contract lasting until June 2013. Several commissioners, miffed that the city won't go along with its ban on elephant bullhooks, have suggested the county stop providing Atlanta's animal services, which includes picking up dead, stray or dangerous animals.

The Atlanta City Council adopted an animal control ordinance this year that did not abolish the sharp-tipped training tool, which has been assailed by animal rights activists. Concerns have been raised that such a ban could run Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus out of Philips Arena.