Nosey Action: Please copy and paste the below letter into the field on the USDA complaint box (aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/aw_complaint_form.shtml) Dear Sirs: Kindly direct your immediate attention to the critical case of Nosey the elephant and assign the case High Priority status. If, cases are deemed high-priority based on the following criteria, then Nosey, the elephant’s case surely qualifies. IF, 1. Severity of animal suffering (death or severe injury), 2. Past compliance history of facility, 3. Potential public or animal safety or health concerns, 4. Abusive or potentially violent nature of licensee or registrant, 5. Type of facility and species of animal involved, and; 6. Severity of the issue resulting in extensive public interest. THEN, 1. Nosey has suffered to the degree that now, after OVER TWENTY YEARS OF ABUSE IS CRIPPLED AND STILL BEING USED FOR GIVING RIDES. “[Nosey] undoubtedly suffers from advanced arthritis and degenerative joint disease, resulting in ongoing pain, and most likely permanently impaired limb function.” Philip K. Ensley, D.V.M., Dipl. ACZM 2. Hugo Liebel has a history of CHRONIC NON-COMPLIANCE with nearly 200 USDA citations since 1993. Those include not giving Nosey veterinary care, not taking care of her skin, and having Nosey around children when she has been shown to be dangerous around children. Liebel has a long history of violating the Animal Welfare Act (AWA). These violations include repeatedly chaining Nosey so tightly that she could barely move, repeatedly denying her necessary veterinary care, and allowing dangerous, unsupervised public contact with her. 3. Noseys physical condition compromises her stability in carrying passengers as she carries weight on three legs instead of four. She is in pain, taxing her coping skills. Nosey has a history of violently turning against handlers as she did as recently as 2009. Nosey has also tested positive on a TB test which indicates she may be capable of spreading tuberculosis among people who come into contact with her. 4. Hugo Leibel is mentally unstable and has displayed violence toward people, as well as, toward Nosey. Leibel has been taped verbally attacking passersby and threatening physical violence. youtube/watch?v=Ej_XKx1097E Mr. Leibel, according to the affidavit of a former employee, a Liebel trainer once used the [bullhook] handle, turned off the lights in the performance ring and beat the elephant while she was staked down by all four legs. He also attested that Nosey was routinely shocked with electric prods. 5. Nosey, as an African Elephant, is a critically endangered species and as such should be afforded the utmost protection that a civilized society can afford. 6. There is worldwide outrage over the way USDA is allowing Nosey to be treated. In one effort, USDA and Florida Fish and Wildlife in April 204, received over 20,000 requests to free Nosey. Currently, on just one campaign there are several thousand people advocating for Nosey, that number will only continue to grow as awareness of Noseys situation is exposed. Hugo Leibels chronic abuse of Nosey clearly warrants USDAs High Priority Designation, license revocation, and an immediate cease-and-desist order. Nothing less is acceptable. Your prompt attention to this urgent matter is appreciated. (Your name) (form info-Hugo Leibel- USDA License #58-C-0288 Davenport, Florida)
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 21:33:03 +0000