Nov 16, 2009 6:04 pm US/Eastern
Elephants Get Lawmakers' Attention Monday
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
Lawmakers on Beacon Hill were discussing the treatment of elephants on Monday.
With just two days before legislators recess, you would think that they would be burning the midnight oil to hammer out some big deals - because of budget cuts being made, jobs being lost, and cities and towns scrambling to find ways to make ends meet.
But no, lawmakers were in a legislative hearing to discuss Senate Bill 1870, which relates to the treatment of elephants.
SERIOUS BUSINESS
In front of the State House, voters walking by were in disbelief when they were told about the topic getting lawmaker's attention. "I hope they are not talking about that," laughed one woman.
Inside the State House it was serious business.
State Senator Robert Hedlund has been working on this legislation for well over a year. He wants to outlaw the 'bull hook' tool used by elephant trainers associated with the circus.
"The more I look into this issue the more passionate about this issue I become" said Senator Hedlund.
He referred to a YouTube video showing handlers hurting elephants with this device.
WHY NOW?
Senator Hedlund said now is the right to act because his constituents asked him to take up this cause.
When WBZ's Jonathan Elias asked Senator Hedlund, "what's the one big thing accomplished this legislative session?"
Hedlund responded, "I don't think we've done much of any good to be honest with you. I don't consider tax hikes and budget deficits good work."
The committee heard testimony Monday from animal rights activists and the two lawmakers championing this cause.
THE OTHER SIDE
There also was the other side of this argument - the folks from the circus who assured lawmakers that they didn't abuse their animals.
At one point the chairman of the committee asked Senator Hedlund how his law would differ from laws already on the books, specifically the one pertaining to the cruelty to animal's law. He deferred answering that to one of his experts.
This issue hasn't turned into something lawmakers can vote on yet, it remains where it's been for some time, stuck in the committee.
Nobody wants to see elephants hurt, abused, or mistreated, but a senate bill? Is this the best use of lawmaker's time? Or should they take up one of the many issues that affects so many? Share your comments with us.
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