I used a pair of bolt cutters to cut the it. Works like a charm and you'll find a surprising number of other uses for them around the house.
Like cutting bolts. Or chain link fencing. Or heavy gauge wire. Or flap hinge pin.
Bending it? Put the short end in a vise and bend it using the long end as a lever. Alternately, put the short end in a vise and use pliars to bend it.