March 2, 2012

Dear Sir,

The pit bull Venom has been a victim of cruel and abusive treatment from one or more humans but there are still many unanswered questions. Venom’s case failed before the court because ownership of Venom could not be proven. Why would the animal wardens not want to cooperate with the SPCA and share the licensing history which was so pertinent to this case? The Department of the Environment spokeswoman says it has had “at least 15 convictions and one acquittal over the last four years”. Can the Department of the Environment produce evidence of these convictions to the SPCA and to the public? Why are we not able to access information on these convictions?

The SPCA has referred more than 15 complaints to them in the last six months, many of which involve potential offences given these statistics, surely the rate of prosecutions should be a lot higher? Why does the Department think it has a “small contingent of wardens” when there are five full time wardens now and in 1999/2000 there was only one? Why does the Department of Environment believe “that 90 percent of the illegal breeding of restricted breeds involves people who are involved in criminal activity”? Why is it so difficult to protect the victims of cruelty? We need questions answered. There was a time not too long ago when the whole of Bermuda would come together to help stop these atrocious crimes. No longer. The evidence that supports the connection between animal cruelty and other serious crimes is overwhelming. Many people in Bermuda seem to have lost good common sense and judgment and the ability to be honest. Speak up to help victims of abuse. Our society will not benefit if Venom’s suffering is ignored and treated as acceptable.

DIANA HESLOP

Devonshire