Activists, lawyers, animal welfare experts and circus advocates butted heads in an hours-long hearing at the State House on a bill that would ban the use of bullhooks on elephants.

The bill, trumpeted by state Sen. Robert Hedlund (R-Weymouth), was brought before the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development. Bullhooks, wood or metal poles with steel hooks on one end, are used in circuses to control elephants.