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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
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AN ACT
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relating to the use of certain devices to train or control the |
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behavior of an elephant; creating a criminal offense. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. Chapter 821, Health and Safety Code, is amended |
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by adding Subchapter E to read as follows: |
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SUBCHAPTER E. TREATMENT OF ELEPHANTS |
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Sec. 821.101. USE OF CERTAIN DEVICES ON ELEPHANTS |
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PROHIBITED. A person may not use any device, including a bullhook, |
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ankus, baseball bat, axe handle, or pitchfork, to train or control |
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the behavior of an elephant in a manner that inflicts physical pain |
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on the elephant. |
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Sec. 821.102. CRIMINAL PENALTY. (a) A person commits an |
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offense if the person violates Section 821.101. |
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(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor, |
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except that the offense is a state jail felony if it is shown at the |
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trial of the offense that the defendant has previously been |
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convicted two or more times of an offense under this section. |
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SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2021. |