The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has complained that it has been given little information about plans for an “Animal Extravaganza” by either Government or the show’s organiser.
Ray Hollis of DNA Entertainment has planned an ‘Animal Extravaganza”, there will be multiple shows between May 26 and May 28.
The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has complained that it has been given little information about plans for an “Animal Extravaganza” by either Government or the show’s organiser.
Ray Hollis of DNA Entertainment has planned an ‘Animal Extravaganza”, there will be multiple shows between May 26 and May 28.
In early March Mr. Hollis said the animals being brought to Bermuda were part of a habitat and have expert handlers.
“We have contacted the SPCA and informed them that we are not bringing circus animals,” he told The Royal Gazette after initial concerns about the show were raised. “We are going to keep them well informed about the show.”
But the SPCA released a press statement this week they saying have had little contact and almost no information from Mr. Hollis: “Since the Society first became aware of the proposal to bring an ‘animal extravaganza’ to the Island, it has repeatedly made attempts to learn from the local promoter specific details about the presentations and to ascertain whether or not the Honourable Minister, Ms Neletha Butterfield, is inclined or otherwise, to grant a permit for the importation of the animals.
“To date the extremely limited details provided by the local promoter regarding this extravaganza have precluded us from researching the organisations owning the animals in question.”
The SPCA’s main concern is whether or not the show “is compatible with the welfare and needs of the animals in question to transport them to Bermuda for public exhibition and display” the press release stated.
The last time The Royal Gazette was able to speak to Mr. Hollis, on March 12, permission to bring the animals to the Island had not yet been granted.
Repeated attempts, by The Royal Gazette, over the last two weeks to contact Government veterinarian Dr. Jonathan Nesbitt to find out if permission had been granted have yielded little results.
On Friday Dr. Nesbitt said, via e-mail, that he had “offered his Director and the Ministry the opportunity to contribute to the response”. He added that it could be expected shortly. No response has come since then.
Calls to Mr. Hollis also went unanswered over the last two weeks but posters have been placed around the Island and flyers have also been distributed promoting the event. The SPCA also said that schools have been given vouchers to the show.
In early March, Mr. Hollis responded to queries and said he had learned from his experience in 2002, when he brought a circus to town with a less than stellar record regarding their treatment of animals.
He said that he realised the importance of doing research about the groups he brought to the Island. He would not say which animals he planned to bring to the Island this time around but said he would not be bringing elephants. There was a possibility that bears, tigers and alligators could come to the Island, he added.
The SPCA said it will continue to try and seek information from the Government and promoter. They are particular concerned about finding out the name of group bringing the animals to the Island so they could investigate them. In particular the SPCA would investigate whether of not the group has any citations against them for animal cruelty or abuse.
The press release stated: “The lack of cooperation from promoter and seemingly lax rules for importing captive animals puts the SPCA in a difficult position and accordingly at this stage we are not in a position to advise the public to support this specific event.”
By Ruth O’Kelly-Lynch The Royal Gazette