Pryor Asks Maximum Sentence
for Elephant Abusers
World-renowned comedian Richard Pryor has sent a letter to Pretoria
regional court magistrate Adriaan Bekker on behalf of People for the
Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), urging him to impose the maximum
sentence—R200,000 (US$25,740) and 12 months in prison—on
two men convicted in the beatings of 30 juvenile elephants captured
nearly five years ago from the Tuli Block game reserve.
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
You can help stop the suffering of elephants, tigers, and other animals
abused in the name of "entertainment." Click
here to support PETA's vital work.
|
