With a mobile billboard, a popular Georgia singer and a small herd of animal rights activists at their side Monday, two members of Atlanta City Council said it was time to end the use of bullhooks on circus elephants.
Council members Felicia Moore and Nataly Archibong led a group of about 20 at City Hall where B-52s singer Fred Schneider was the first to sign a petition calling for a ban on the sharp, metal-tipped batons used to control the large mammals.
"It's an issue about people and humanity," said Moore, who wants Atlanta's ordinance to be as restrictive as the one approved in Fulton County last year.
Moore and Archibong introduced legislation June 18 to totally ban the use of bullhooks and similar devices, but Council only approved an amendment to the city's existing animal cruelty ordinance that, according to Moore, does not do enough.
"Atlanta is better than this," said Moore. "We can still have circuses that don't allow the abuse of these beautiful animals."
City Council legislation on a bullhook ban remains pending and is expected to be discussed before the end of the year, according to city officials.
Schneider was approached by local leaders of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals before the band's appearance at the Fox Theatre last Saturday.
He said he was not aware of the practice, but wanted to help after watching videos of bullhook use.
"If you are cruel to animals you are cruel to people too," he said. "How can we do this to elephants? I can't imagine doing this to our cats, dogs or other pets we love."
Moore and Archibong explained their goal is educate the community and their colleagues.
"There is a need for public education. What we need to do now is educate the community and council members," Moore said.
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