Keep Ban on Elephant Rides in Kentucky

The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources (KDFWR) is considering changing state regulations that currently ban elephant rides. In 2005, the state enacted some of the strictest regulations involving exotic animals. We want to ensure the regulations stay strong and do not allow elephant rides as part of circuses or other forms of entertainment.

Elephants in traveling shows spend their lives chained and intensively confined in tiny spaces. They are dominated through physical punishment with the bullhook, a steel-tipped weapon similar to a fireplace poker that is used to prod, strike and intimidate elephants into complete obedience.

To put traumatized, stressed elephants in dangerously close proximity to the public is simply asking for trouble. Since 1990, at least 14 human deaths and 122 injuries in the U.S. have been attributed to elephants. Many of these incidents involved elephants who are used for rides.

Tell the Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources to keep Kentucky safe from the danger and the cruelty inherent in elephant rides or any public contact with dangerous exotic animals. Keep the ban!