The SPCA responds

September 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

It is with neither surprise nor disappointment that I read the letter by carriage owner/driver Dee Charles in response to the brief article in your paper concerning a recent meeting with interested parties about the carriage horse industry. Present at that meeting were representatives of the Corporation of Hamilton, the Corporation of St. George, the Police Animal Protection Officer, Government Veterinary Officer and the SPCA. Unfortunately TCD were not present although they were invited and expected. The meeting was organised by the SPCA to see if other groups affected by/involved with the carriage industry had any concerns with the industry. I was not surprised to learn that all of the groups represented have significant issues with the carriage horse industry and with some operators in particular. Each group had its own concerns and suggestions and the goal was to come up with collective ideas on how to address these concerns. As a first meeting, I was impressed with the resolve of those members present. We plan to meet again and continue meeting until we can effect positive change in the industry.

The SPCA and the carriage operators in Bermuda have a long history. Indeed, the SPCA was originally known as the Horse Protection League. The SPCA files going back for years are filled with numerous complaints. These include overworked horses, unfit horses, lame horses, unfit drivers, unsafe carriages, horses working in extreme heat, malnourished horses, inadequate stabling/housing and horses with injuries/sores. During the summer the most frequent complaints the SPCA receives are those of horses working in the heat. These calls come from residents and visitors alike and I would venture to say that for every tourist who enjoys their trek around Hamilton there is another who is horrified that there are horses working in such an urban environment, particularly in the heat of the summer.

The SPCA can only act within the provisions of the Care and Protection of Animals Act and must prove, in a court of law, that cruelty has taken place. This is very difficult, as in order to prosecute you need sufficient evidence. What this means is that an act of cruelty must have occurred before we can react. Conditions in Hamilton during peak traffic and in the hottest months cannot be conducive for a pleasant experience by the horse, passenger or driver. The horses must contend with extreme heat, humidity, traffic, noise and pollution. The route taken can hardly be described as scenic. The impatience of vehicular drivers, the size of vehicles and the amount of construction in the city only adds stress to the situation.

The SPCA will not go on waiting until there is an accident in the city or a horse drops dead on Front Street from heat conditions. The SPCA believes that Hamilton is no longer a suitable place for a carriage industry during the heat of the summer and during peak traffic times. We are not against the industry and have no issue with the operation of carriages outside Hamilton or at certain times within Hamilton. We support operators who keep their horses in safe, pleasant, suitable environments and provide a great service for locals and visitors alike. We do however want to improve the conditions of all of these horses, which work hard for their owners. The stabling of commercially kept horses has been a concern of the SPCA for many years. These stables are the responsibility of Government as they should be inspected and licensed annually by Government. Many of these stables are in appalling condition.

I agree with Ms Charles that the two privately owned horses that were on SPCA property (but not under our care) were in a paddock in muddy conditions. Unfortunately, she chose to report it to Government which resulted in a delay of at least one week in dealing with the issue. Had she called me, it would have been resolved immediately. Once I was made aware of the situation, the horses were moved within 24 hours. I would like to add that these horses were in good health at all times and were free to move about the paddock.

A few years ago, seven horses were removed from Ms Charles' Canal Road stables. They were standing in similar conditions while tethered inside their stables and the stables were structurally unsound. The roof and walls of the stables could have collapsed on the horses at any time. I am sure that Ms Charles will remember that after several months of receiving excellent care organised by the SPCA (hoof care, dental care, grass pasture and feeding) the horses were returned by Government without consulting the SPCA. They were returned to the same dilapidated stables and conditions and no charges were ever made against the owner/operator of that facility. Fortunately, the stables at Canal Road were replaced after much pressure from the SPCA. We assisted in finding temporary stabling during the construction period and also wrote to the Department of Planning to encourage them to get the process going as quickly as possible to allow the new stables to be built. The entire bill for the care of these horses was footed by the taxpayer, not the owner.

The reason I include this in this letter is to demonstrate that the SPCA is willing to work and assist people where we can. It is very frustrating for the SPCA to deal with issues such as the above as the parties involved never resolve the issues. We feel that were are fighting the same battles repeatedly. Out of frustration and a determination to improve the condition of the horses, we have formed a new partnership with others who share our concerns to find an effective means to address this issue fully and finally. We would prefer that carriage operators worked with us but that has not been the case historically. By the way, in the ten years that I have been involved with the SPCA executive, I do not remember the SPCA ever being invited to any meeting about the carriage industry unless it was organised by the SPCA. If Ms Charles arranged a meeting that the SPCA failed to attend, I do not recall being invited. If she would like to let me know to whom the invitation was addressed, I will be happy to find out why we were not represented. This issue is of such a concern for us that we would have made it a point to be there.

In closing, I would like to assure the public that the SPCA will continue to fulfil its mandate to protect animals on the Island and we will not be discouraged by the likes of Ms Charles nor the lack of support we have historically received from Government agencies involved.

ANDREW N. MADEIROS

Shelter Chairman

Society for Prevention of

Cruelty to Animals

Motorcycles are too loud

September 30, 2004

Dear Sir,

When are the Police going to do something about these loud bicycles? Are they afraid or don't know what to do? Their lack of action encourages our young people to make a whole lot of unnecessary stupid noise with their bicycles. Their lack of action also encourages the belief in young men that they can do whatever they like and disrespect people, among other things.

I remember when the Police would impound a bicycle if it was too loud and there was more respect for people's peace and quiet. If we had that respect back then, why can't we have it now?

It's time for action from the Police for the people of Bermuda who deserve better than what they're getting.

UNITY SAVES

Somerset

Living in fear

September 16, 2004

Dear Sir,

I am writing this letter as a landowner in Hillview Estate in Warwick.

There is presently and has been for a number of years, a crack house in the above mentioned development that has consistent traffic arriving and leaving all hours of the day and night. There are several cars, trucks, bikes which frequent this crack house. There are even those who come on foot.

I have made phone calls and written to many Bermuda officials, including the Bermuda Police Service without success or response. I suspect the Police know this "dealer" very well. I am remiss to speculate as to why there has been no response (action) regarding this unsafe situation (crack house).

I am a taxpayer attempting to make my living environment safe for me and my family. As I am sure you will agree ... with these types of behaviours (drugs, etc.) it is impossible to live without fear. This behaviour promotes an unsafe/uncertain environment for everyone.

I am therefore appealing to The Royal Gazette and their publishing of this Letter to the Editor for help from the Bermuda Police Service and the people of Bermuda.

Can someone please tell me what to do?

CONCERNED

City of Hamilton