Deaths in the Panhandle
November 5th, 2010 by admin
On Monday, Gulf World Marine Park in Panama City Beach announced that a baby dolphin had died during the night after being pushed or washed (or jumping?) over the wall of her tank. The dolphin, “Chloe,” was born at the park in September. The press release did not say if Chloe died from injuries as a result of the fall, or if she died from dehydration or other causes. It’s also not known when park employees realized that the dolphin had fallen from the tank. Regardless of the cause of death, it’s an incident that never should have happened. Shockingly, the park said that this was not the first time that a dolphin had “fallen” out of a tank!
Please contact the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and urge them to investigate the death of Chloe at Gulf World as a crime of extreme negligence. Ask the USDA to impose stiff penalties for any violations identified. Contact:
Dr. Elizabeth Goldentyer
Eastern Regional Director
USDA / APHIS / Animal Care
Phone: (919) 855-7100
E-mail: aceast@aphis.usda.gov
The abuse and neglect of racing greyhounds is common, but this week there was a case that was so horrifying that the Washington County Sheriff described it as the most disturbing case of cruelty to animals the office has ever investigated.
Here’s a quick summary of the story so far. Last Friday, investigators with the Florida Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering discovered more than 30 dead dogs inside a kennel at the Ebro Greyhound Park (located north of Panama City). An additional five dogs were found alive, but barely. Several of the dead dogs, and three of the surviving dogs, had duct tape wrapped around their necks. Trainer Ronald J. Williams was arrested and charged with 37 counts of felony animal cruelty. On Sunday night, the decomposing bodies of at least eight more greyhounds were discovered near Mr. Williams home.
Mr. Williams has had his license to race greyhounds suspended, and he remains in the Washington County Jail. State Attorney Glen Hess has stated that he is taking the case seriously.
Please contact the Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering and urge them to investigate whether the Ebro Greyhound Park failed in their duty to protect animals in their kennels. Track officials have admitted that they did not check Mr. Williams’ kennel after the racing season ended in September. Contact:
Milton Champion, Director
Division of Pari-Mutuel Wagering
Phone: (850) 487-1395
E-mail: callcenter@dbpr.state.fl.us (include “Pari-Mutuel Wagering” in the subject line)