500 Animals Died in UK Zoo Over 4 Years. Sign Petition Asking For Stricter Regulation

Thanks to public outcry and the dedicated work of  Captive Animals’ Protection Society (CAPS), a dreadful UK zoo was denied its renewal license on March 6, 2017. However, nearly 500 animals and a zookeeper died in just four years between 2012-2016 before governing officials executed this order. The question arises, why did it take so many long years of suffering for authorities to halt these habitual acts of animal cruelty?

The cases of animal cruelty discovered at the zoo were some of the worst CAPS’ representatives have seen in sixty years, and all animal injuries, ailments, and deaths were deemed preventable. In addition to the nearly 500 deaths, CAPS’ reported extremely emaciated animals and animals with severe sores on their skin with patches of fur and feathers missing. Additionally, several cases were reported where visitors were allowed to have direct contact with animals. This not only put the imminent safety of visitors and animals at risk, it also could facilitate the transfer of disease.

Thanks to CAPS’ investigations, the detailed reports of animal cruelty at the zoo are publicly available for viewing. Although this zoo is one of the worst, there are countless more zoos in the world where animal cruelty is commonplace and goes unreported. According to a petition on Care2, in the UK alone, eight zoos have been found with ongoing cases of animal cruelty.

CAPS is urging for a change in the way UK authorities govern and control zoos. They feel the government has a “flawed licensing system” and that zoos need to be monitored by a central body rather than area councils who are obviously not protecting animals as they ought to.

Animal cruelty is a global issue and should be the concern of every person on this planet. If you witness animal cruelty and neglect anywhere – zoos, pet shops, even your neighbor’s yard – please remember to speak up for those without a voice and report it to the appropriate authorities. Animal cruelty continues to go on both publicly and behind closed doors, and it is up to concerned citizens to help put a stop to it all.

To help speak up for animals in zoos, please sign this petition to pressure the UK to change their flawed animal protection and welfare system.

Image Source: Mihai Jeic/Shutterstock