February 20, 2011Dear Sir,From February 25 to March 5, Bermuda and Bermudians will be a party to the exploitation of a captive white tiger, obliged to perform no less than 12 times in nine days for entertainment purposes at the Fairmont Southampton Princess Hotel. Glossy advertising postcards to every postal address, and a dedicated website (www.rickthomasbermuda.com) have been used to push this event as something to lure out the dwindling household finances: heart-wrenching photos of children in need, and powerpunched advertising phrases like “With every ticket you purchase ... you will be benefitting a child or family in Bermuda”.As for truthful “facts” about the use of a rare white captive tiger in entertainment, this site is definitely not to be recommended. As a Bermudian, I have been exceptionally fortunate to have benefitted from the best of European education in my field of Veterinary Medicine and animal welfare, and along with this, exposure to a wider reality different cultures, languages and history outside these 21 square miles. My talented, kind husband and I have tried during our younger and most energetic years of running the Hannover Veterinary Hospital, to bring understanding and compassion for all animals, in particular to the North of Hamilton.Sadly in respect of this “event” we are utterly ashamed of my birthplace, Bermuda. The way a society treats the living world, especially those creatures without a political voice, which would include, not just our children, but fellow members of the animal kingdom, must reflect a stance of non-violence, tolerance and compassion. Otherwise there is no harmony, no justice. To quote the Chinese animal protection activist Liu Huili in her recent stand on China StateTelevision (CCTV) against the use of animals by magicians: “It is very dangerous for a country if it advocates the abuse of animals for the entertainment of its people”.MAUREEN WARE-CIETERS BSc (Zoology & comp Physiology), MRCVSSt David's