87R341 KKR-D
By: Goodwin H.B. No. 1941
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
relating to the use of certain devices to train or control the
behavior of an elephant; creating a criminal offense.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
SECTION 1. Chapter 821, Health and Safety Code, is amended
by adding Subchapter E to read as follows:
SUBCHAPTER E. TREATMENT OF ELEPHANTS
Sec. 821.101. USE OF CERTAIN DEVICES ON ELEPHANTS
PROHIBITED. A person may not use any device, including a bullhook,
ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, or pitchfork, to train or control
the behavior of an elephant in a manner that inflicts physical pain
on the elephant.
Sec. 821.102. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an
offense if the person violates Section 821.101.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor,
except that the offense is a state jail felony if it is shown at the
trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been
convicted two or more times of an offense under this section.
SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021.