The elephant bullhook debate will be back in front of the Fulton County Commission on Wednesday. Commissioner Robb Pitts wants to ban circus trainers from using the sharp-tipped instruments, which animal rights groups argue are used to poke, prod and beat elephants bloody. Trainers say they’re needed to give the animals instructions.

The measure was voted down 4-3 in November, but Pitts may have the needed fourth vote from co-sponsor Joan Garner. The rule would only apply to unincorporated south Fulton, not to Atlanta where Philips Arena is located.

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University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC