This post is brought to you by the SF SPCA.

In 2013, Los Angeles was the first major city in California to ban bullhooks, followed by Oakland a year later. Recently, when Ringling Brothers made the surprising announcement to phase out elephants from their act by 2018, momentum really started building. Support for banning bullhooks and eliminating cruel practices used on performing animals has been overwhelming. Even with Ringling Brothers out of the game, Californians and animal advocates around the world knew they couldn't stop there.

Last week, Senator Lara introduced SB 716, a bill to ban all bullhooks in the state of California, effectively ending abusive behavior towards elephants used in circuses and entertainment.

"There is no place in California for mistreating elephants for any reason," said Senator Lara."These gentle and intelligent creatures, whose species survival is being threatened by poaching from the pernicious ivory trade, deserve our care and respect. California's accredited zoos have moved away from use of bullhooks and similar devices and it's time to take them off the table."

The San Francisco SPCA thinks SB 716 is compassionate legislation and a positive step forward for all performing animals. If you agree, let your own representatives know that you support SB 716, and are proud to live in a state that's taking the lead towards stopping the abuse of elephants.

Image above via via onegreenplanet.org, homepage image via juliettespeaks.org.