Elephants; pain-inflicting training tools prohibited; penalty. Adds elephants to the definition of "dangerous captive animal." The bill also prohibits (i) the use of a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar instrument or a tool designed to inflict pain for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of an elephant and (ii) poking an elephant with such an instrument or tool for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of the elephant. A violation is a Class 2 misdemeanor.

23103902D

A BILL to amend and reenact § 3.2-6594 of the Code of Virginia and to amend the Code of Virginia by adding a section numbered 3.2-6570.2, relating to elephants; pain-inflicting training tools prohibited; penalty.

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 3.2-6594 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted and that the Code of Virginia is amended by adding a section numbered 3.2-6570.2 as follows:

§ 3.2-6594. Definitions.

As used in this article:

"Dangerous captive animal" means any bear, cougar, elephant, jaguar, leopard, lion, nonhuman primate, or tiger, or any hybrid of any such animal. "Dangerous captive animal" does not include a clouded leopard.

"Direct contact" means physical contact or proximity where physical contact is possible, including an opportunity for photography without a permanent physical barrier designed to prevent physical contact between the public and a dangerous captive animal.

"Keeper" means any person, as defined in § 1-230, who owns, has custody of, or is in control of a dangerous captive animal.

§ 3.2-6570.2. Elephants; pain-inflicting training instruments prohibited; penalty.

It is unlawful for any person to (i) use, brandish, exhibit, or display a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar instrument or a tool designed to inflict pain in the presence of an elephant or (ii) poke an elephant with such an instrument or tool for the purpose of training or controlling the behavior of the elephant. A violation of this section is a Class 2 misdemeanor.