"Bullhooks are rods with solid steel pointed ends (resembling a fireplace poker) which are specifically designed to inflict pain...The nature of the bullhook is to dominate through fear and violence (i.e. get the elephant to fear the bullhook through violence). This is the only way it works - there are no "good" ways to use the bullhook .. which is why all sanctuaries forbid use of the bullhook and more than 50% of all zoos no longer use bullhooks. Only circuses and backward zoos and handlers still use this archaic and violent method of domination."

The use of bullhooks was banned in Atlanta until Fulton Superior Court judge John Goger issued a temporary restraining order Monday that could prevent the county from enforcing animal control laws in the city of Atlanta, according to a Fulton County commissioner.

Commissioner Rob Pitts said Judge John Goger's order effectively blocks the county's ban of the use of bullhooks by circus elephant trainers.   The Judge's decision came only days before the planned arrival of the Ringling Brothers' Circus to Atlanta.