CBS Atlanta 46Bullhook ban put on hold for circus

The "Greatest Show on Earth" rolled into Atlanta on Tuesday, but not without controversy.

Officials with the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus asked a local judge to put Fulton County's bullhook ban on hold while the show is in town.  The circus uses the highly controversial equipment on elephants. 

The judge granted the request and put the bullhook ban on hold for two weeks.  That's something Fulton County Commissioner Robb Pitts said he believed to be unfair.

"Proof of the fact that it's not necessary, you have another circus right now, right here in Atlanta, in Fulton County," Pitts said.  "UniverSoul, who is not using the bullhook with the elephants that they have in their circus, so there are alternatives."

Initially, Pitts was concerned that a ban on bullhooks would lead to a complete ban on animal control services for the city of Atlanta.  That proved not to be the case.

"It is only in place for the provision so as such it would not impede us from being able to provide our normal day to day services," said Fulton County Animal Control Supervisor Tony Phillips. 

Now the show will go on, bullhooks and all.  But Pitts said that next year, the circus will need to abide by the ban in place.

"This circus, they have options.  It's just that they are flexing their muscles and saying we're not going to do it," Pitts said.

Copyright 2012 WGCL-TV (Meredith Corporation).  All rights reserved.