Rhode Islanders: Get Rid of Lead Ammunition, Bullhooks

A new poll found that the majority of Rhode Islanders want to get rid of lead ammunition.

The Humane Society of the United States reported 62 percent of voters want to phase out lead bullets, which can harm wildlife. The statistics were taken from a survey it conducted.

State Rep. Arthur Handy, D-District 18, and State Sen. Joshua Miller, D-District 28, introduced legislation that would phase out the use of toxic lead ammunition for hunting.

The Humane Society also reported 81 percent of voters agrees with a ban on bullhooks, which are used by trainers on elephants. Critics say they're abusive. Legislation has been filed that would ban the use of the tools on elephants.

“Lead from spent ammunition is known to poison tens of millions of animals every year, including species in Rhode Island," said Nicole Paquette, vice president of wildlife protection for the Humane Society, said in a statement. "These survey results confirm that Rhode Island residents want this deadly toxin to be phased-out from hunting ammunition, which will further protect wildlife, people and the environment. In addition, devices that cause pain and suffering have no place in the handling of captive elephants. Rhode Island residents have made clear they do not support this kind of treatment toward elephants and we urge legislators to swiftly pass this legislation.”