Target: English Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Thérèse Coffey
Goal: Investigate zoo where animals were reportedly found suffering injuries in run-down enclosures.
More than 60 graphic images have reportedly been released by former staff members of South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria, revealing severe alleged animal neglect and suffering. The images reportedly show a zebra with its hoof trapped in the bars of a pen, a capybara covered in cuts, and a giraffe with a bloodied head. Visitors have allegedly observed run-down enclosures, neglected animals, and abandoned building materials within the zoo.
Former employees have claimed that management ignored concerns about inadequate animal housing and overcrowding. The zebra that was allegedly stressed from being cramped indoors was later euthanized. These incidents, dating from 2017 to 2019, have raised widespread concern that conditions may not have improved, and that similar issues may persist in other British zoos due to insufficient regulatory oversight.
It is imperative that strict regulations are enforced to ensure the welfare of animals in zoos and to prevent reported neglect and abuse. The alleged conditions at South Lakes Safari Zoo cannot be allowed to continue, as they pose a severe risk to the well-being of the animals in their care. Demand that authorities take immediate action to investigate these reports, enforce animal welfare laws, and ensure that all zoos meet the highest standards of care.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Thérèse Coffey,
I am writing to express deep concern over reports of severe animal neglect and abuse at South Lakes Safari Zoo in Cumbria. Former staff members have reportedly released over 60 images showing animals in distressing conditions, including a zebra with its hoof trapped in pen bars, a capybara covered in cuts, and a giraffe with a bloodied head. Visitors have also allegedly observed neglected animals and deteriorating enclosures within the zoo.
It has been reported that management ignored concerns about inadequate housing and overcrowding, leading to unnecessary suffering and even euthanasia of animals, such as the zebra that was reportedly stressed from being cramped indoors. These allegations raise serious questions about the enforcement of animal welfare regulations and the ability of local councils to intervene effectively.
I urge you to take immediate action to investigate these reports and to enforce strict regulations that ensure the welfare of animals in zoos. By holding those reportedly responsible accountable and ensuring that all zoos meet the highest standards of care, we can protect innocent animals from neglect and abuse. Please act now to safeguard the well-being of these creatures and to uphold the integrity of animal welfare laws.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Derek Keats
