|
|
Physical Abuse
 Check
for signs of bullhook wounds, scars, or dry, peeling skin. Bullhook
injuries are typically behind the ears. Ask the handler to fold the
elephant’s earflaps forward, and look for bullhook wounds. An
elephant’s skin is extremely sensitive and bleeds easily. Circuses
use bullhooks to punish and control elephants. Trainers often embed
the hook in the soft tissue behind the ears, inside the ear or mouth,
in and around the anus, and in tender spots on the trunk, under the
chin, and around the feet. Some bullhooks are discreetly designed
to also serve as electric prods—one end has a sharp, metal hook,
and the other end has hidden prongs that deliver an electrical current.
A powder called Wonder Dust is used to conceal bloody bullhook wounds.
Within hours of being punctured by a bullhook, a welt or boil may
erupt. The wound may grow larger if it becomes infected. Heavy blows
can result in tissue damage that will cause the skin to die and slough
off.
While performing in the ring, an elephant responds to verbal commands
from a trainer carrying a bullhook and moderate pressure from the
bullhook because the elephant has been conditioned through violent
training sessions to know that refusal to obey in the ring will result
in severe punishment later. Moments before entering the ring, while
out of public view, trainers may give the elephants a few painful
whacks to remind them who’s boss and ensure that the elephants
perform the specified tricks on command.
 |
 |
| An elephant with hook boils. |
Lighter gray spots are applications
of Wonder Dust, which is used to conceal bloody wounds. These
areas on the hind legs are where trainers hook and poke elephants
to make them move forward faster. |
Previous | Next
You can help stop the suffering of elephants, tigers, and other animals
abused in the name of "entertainment." Click
here to support PETA's vital work.
|
|
|
Check
for signs of bullhook wounds, scars, or dry, peeling skin. Bullhook
injuries are typically behind the ears. Ask the handler to fold the
elephant’s earflaps forward, and look for bullhook wounds. An
elephant’s skin is extremely sensitive and bleeds easily. Circuses
use bullhooks to punish and control elephants. Trainers often embed
the hook in the soft tissue behind the ears, inside the ear or mouth,
in and around the anus, and in tender spots on the trunk, under the
chin, and around the feet. Some bullhooks are discreetly designed
to also serve as electric prods—one end has a sharp, metal hook,
and the other end has hidden prongs that deliver an electrical current.
"Make 'Em Scream": Watch Standard Elephant-Training Practices
Ringling Bros. Exposed
Printer-Friendly
l
E-Mail This Page
l
Subscribe to E-News
