Eric Mills: Life better for elephants, but more needs be done

Gov. Jerry Brown on Aug. 29 signed SB 1062 into law, banning the use of bullhooks and similar abusive devices on captive elephants. A shout-out to Assemblymember David Hadley (R-Manhattan Beach), who twice saved this bill in the Assembly’s Arts & Entertainment Committee. A good start, but much more is needed.

When not performing silly “tricks” for insensitive audiences, most circus animals, many of them endangered species, are kept chained, tethered or in cramped cages. The constant travel and “performances-on-demand” are highly stressful, often leading to aggressive and/or neurotic behaviors. A true “crime against nature.” Twenty-nine countries have already outlawed the use of wild animals in circuses, including Mexico, Colombia, Bolivia, Greece, The Netherlands, Austria, Israel and even Iran. California and the U.S. should do likewise. Write to legislators c/o The State Capitol, Sacramento, Calif. 95814.

This story was originally published August 30, 2016 at 12:14 PM with the headline "Eric Mills: Life better for elephants, but more needs be done."