A meeting between officials from the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals and organisers of a planned ?Animal Extravaganza? did not happen, for a second time, because the organisers failed to show up.

A meeting was planned for April 10, after several articles were printed in regarding concerns about the animals? welfare. However, the meeting did not happen because Ray Hollis, of DNA Entertainment, was busy preparing for the human only circus, which performed on the Island this past weekend. The meeting was rescheduled for Monday.

Teresa Ince, SPCA Shelter Manager, said the meeting planned for April 17 never took place because Mr. Hollis failed to show up at the arranged time. While she said they would still like to meet with Mr. Hollis, but the SPCA would no longer be calling him.

Nevertheless, the SPCA is still committed to finding out more about the people bringing the animals to the Island in May.

The Ministry of Environment spokeswoman Nea Talbot said the Government was also interested in finding out more about the group.

She said the Department of Environmental Protection was engaged in discussions with DNA and had detailed specific criteria for any potential animal imports.

?Such criteria pertain to animal health and animal welfare both during transit and while in Bermuda, animal safety, public safety and the requirements of the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species,? said Ms Talbot.

Ms Talbot added the Ministry also wanted background information on the animal handlers so they could check they were in good standing with the relevant authorities.

Mr. Hollis would not answer any questions about the event or SPCA meeting.