The Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus has announced it will phase out elephant acts from its show over the next three years. Public concerns over cruel treatment of performing elephants led to the move.
Those concerns prompted the Oakland City Council to ban the use of bullhooks late last year. Animal rights activists say that the use of the sharp, metal-pointed instrument to train and direct elephants is inhumane. Los Angeles passed a similar ban in May 2014.
"I'm thrilled, but not surprised," said Oakland Councilman Dan Kalb, who co-sponsored Oakland's ban. "We know that when local communities make decisions, it can have a national impact. The only surprise I've had is that it happened this quickly. I thought it would take a few more local laws for Ringling Brothers to finally do what they say they are going to do."
In December, when Oakland's bullhook ban was being discussed, Feld Entertainment, which owns Ringling Bros. Circus, threatened to end shows at the Oakland Coliseum if the ban took effect. The City Council ignored that threat and went through with the ban anyway.
Kalb said that under December's legislation, Feld Entertainment cannot pull its business for at least three years.