Pryor Asks Maximum Sentence for Elephant Abusers

May 12, 2003

The Honourable Adriaan Bekker
Private Bag x 61
Cnr. Schoeman/Schubart Streets
4th Floor, Regional Court Building
Pretoria 0001
South Africa

1 page via fax: 012-328 6294

Dear Magistrate Bekker:

I am writing on behalf of my friends at People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) to express my support of the guilty verdict against African Game Services owner Riccardo Ghiazza and his employee Wayne Stockigt for their roles in abusing elephants captured from the Tuli Block Game Reserve.

The cruel treatment of these elephants, which included beatings with broomsticks, sjamboks, and whips, kicking the elephants in their genitals, chaining that caused wounds, and the use of hooked ear loops, is clearly unacceptable.
I understand that Ghiazza and Stockigt are scheduled to be sentenced on July 24. I hope you will impose the maximum sentence of R200,000 (US$25,740) and 12 months in prison.

A stiff penalty is warranted given the heinous and violent nature of their crimes and will serve as a deterrent to others who trade in wildlife by putting them on notice that the cruel treatment of animals will not be tolerated.Thank you for giving this matter your consideration.

Sincerely yours,
Richard Pryor

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