State Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington and Rep. Steve Fontana, D-North Haven (pictured) held a press conference Wednesday to support legislation that would make it illegal for people to use a bullhook or chains on elephants.
Armed with a bullhook Wednesday Urban said the legislation is about “doing the right thing.” She said the way in which the elephants are prodded and swatted with the bullhook is inhumane. “Look at that. The trainer just swatted the elephant for relieving himself,” she said pointing to a video.
More of the video, filmed in the state, showed the elephants chained to the ground swaying back and forth. She said these majestic animals are used to traveling up to 50 miles a day in their natural habitat and now are sometimes left in box cars for up to two days.
Click here to see the legislation.