Rep. Story unswayed by 'elephant' in corner

By Annya Lott Bulletin Statehouse Correspondent

Published on October 26, 2007

BOSTON - Being a state representative from Amherst rarely entangles one in a debate about exotic animals from other continents. But for the past few weeks, Rep. Ellen Story has been inundated with emails about elephants.

Earlier this month, Story, vice chairwoman of the Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development, received more than 800 emails from around the country written by people sympathetic to Ringling Bros. circus, opposed to a bill that would ban the use of the sharp-pointed bullhook in training elephants.

Then last Tuesday afternoon around 4:30 p.m., she started receiving hundreds of emails from animal-rights activists in support of the bill. Story, noting most of the messages were from out of state, said neither campaign would sway her.

"If you are a state representative, it really doesn't matter what people in Alaska or Alabama think about this bill because you are not responsible to them," she said. "I will make up my mind based on public testimony today."

The Statehouse hearing last Wednesday was no less emotional than the emails. At issue is the bill, "An Act Relating To The Treatment Of Elephants." Beside bullhooks, the legislation would also ban the use of chain devices in circuses and traveling shows within Massachusetts.

The bill, filed in 2004 by Sen. Robert Hudland, R-Weymouth, is in its second session for approval. If the bill is passed, maximum penalties can range up to $5,000 per violation or a year of imprisonment.

A bullhook is a club made of wood or metal, with both a sharp steel hook and metal poker at one end, and is used to train elephants. Elephant handlers use the hook end to hit or jab the elephant to perform tricks. The handler can hold the hooked end, swing the handle like a baseball bat, and cause puncturing or tearing to the elephant's skin.

Chaining is also a method used to confine elephants. Chaining restricts an elephant's movement, eliminating its ability to lie down or walk around.

According to the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, both of these devices can cause neurotic psychological behavior, physical injury and even the death of captive elephants.

"It's been pretty well documented that these devices are used more as weapons than tools to force the animal into submission or to beat the animal," said Scott Giacoppo, deputy of advocacy for MSPCA. "Elephants can be chained up to 20 hours a day."

Bruce Read, vice president for animal stewardship for the Feld Entertainment, a parent company of Ringling Bros., said the circus uses federally approved training tools.

"We pride ourselves on the excellent care that all of our animals receive. Each animal in our care is provided with full-time veterinary attention, nutritious meals and a clean and safe home," he told Story's committee.

Archele Hundley, former Ringling Bros. animal handler, disagrees. Hundley, who started working for the circus in April 2006 in Tulsa, Okla., quit her job after two months because of what she said was animal abuse.

Hundley said she witnessed chaining, punching and beating of elephants on a daily basis. On one occasion, she said she saw blood gushing out of an elephant's ear as the handler swung a bullhook into its earlobe.

She said most employees who work for the circus are unaware of the abuse because only animal trainers or handlers who have access to animal compounds see what goes on.

"These animals are such amazing creatures. I couldn't watch them get abused every day - I couldn't take it anymore," Hundley said during a press conference at the Statehouse. "I complained to management and they told me if I didn't like it, I could pack my bags. That's exactly what I did."

Thomas Albert, vice president for government relations for Feld Entertainment, told the committee that the circus's economic impact in Massachusetts is roughly $4.3 million a year.

"This bill would prevent Ringling Bros. from bringing our elephants to Massachusetts and, because we cannot abandon our elephants at the state line, this would effectively ban the circus from returning," he said.

Ringling Bros. is in litigation over charges it violated the Endangered Species Act.

The Animal Welfare Institute filed a lawsuit against the circus in 2000 after institute officials said they received a number of internal letters and emails for Ringling Bros. employees complaining about animal abuse.

Tracy Silverman, general counsel for the institute, said the circus is in violation for forceful use of bullhooks, chains and for separating adult and baby elephants. She expects a trial date early next year.

Story said despite the controversy around the bill, there are more pressing issues for the Legislature to take on, including funding for public higher education or mental health.

"If this bill did come to the floor of the House it would be like a circus in here," she said.

"The galleries would be filled with people on both sides of the issue. It would be highly emotional. As far as I am concerned it would not be a good use of our time or energy."