Animal cruelty: elephants.

Existing law makes it a misdemeanor for any owner or manager of an elephant to engage in abusive behavior toward the elephant, which includes disciplining an elephant by specified methods, including, but not limited to, use of electricity. This bill would, beginning January 1, 2018, expand the scope of these provisions to apply to any person who houses, possesses, or is in direct contact with an elephant and would additionally provide that abusive behavior toward the elephant includes the use of a bullhook, ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, pitchfork, or similar device. By expanding the scope of a crime, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program. The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement. This bill would provide that no reimbursement is required by this act for a specified reason.