Sign this petition to Help Sheila

Sheila is a matured Lioness held in captivity at Noccalula Falls state park.

She is kept in a rather small enclosure for a big cat. She is alone without a mate, and I have observed multiple times visitors and bystanders throwing rocks and dirt at her, not to mention spitting at her. She appears very agitated and threatened at this. So much so that she acts deffensive and aggressive. No animal should be treated this way. Help me help her! She doesn't have a voice to speak up, but we do! We can do something for her.

unfortunetaly the law is very touchy on this subject. Especially when the park as a valid license to hold her. But the least they can do is build a bigger enclosure! And find her a mate. 

The retched conditions at these kinds of displays are often unimaginably horrible. 

 

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) licenses animal exhibitors but, unfortunately, the laws protecting captive animals are pitifully weak. The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) sets forth only minimum requirements for animal care, and for the most part, only addresses husbandry issues. For example, according to the AWA, animals must be fed, watered, and sheltered, yet space requirements only mandate that the animals be able to make “normal postural changes” (i.e. allow them enough room to stand up, lie down, and turn around). There is no requirement for grass, shrubbery or other natural vegetation. That awful lion cage is within regulation. Many animals, including horses, ponies, reptiles, fish, birds and others, are afforded no protection. This roadside zoo’s last inspection was “clean.” You can see what we’re up against.

Because the laws are so minimal, it is often difficult to attack animal displays from a legal standpoint. You may find that the cages are tiny, the animals look hot and dispirited, or that they are displaying stereotypic behavior, but none of these conditions are specifically against the law. Even when exhibitors are consistently found non-compliant during inspections, they are typically allowed time to make “improvements.” Because the USDA rarely revokes operators’ licenses, or even levies fines, animals continue to suffer at zoos all over the country.

 

There are a number of important steps you can take to help:

 

1. The zoo is owned and operated by the city of Gadsden. Contact Gadsden officials explaining that the conditions at the zoo are unacceptable.

 

2. Write to the Gadsden Chamber of Commerce and the department of tourism. Tell them that you are appalled at the conditions at the zoo and that it reflects poorly on the community. Point out that the poor living conditions for animals make the zoo unworthy of the chamber’s promotion.

 

3. Spread the word! Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper to encourage readers to stop patronizing any place that uses or displays animals. This is an excellent way to educate countless readers about the grim life for animals in captivity. Post reviews on Google, TripAdvisor, Yelp! and your Facebook page if you have one.

4. Please do not go back to the zoo or to any other animal display. As long as people continue buying a ticket, these displays will continue to exist and the animals will continue to suffer. It’s that simple. Talk to family, friends and co-workers, especially those with small children who may be inclined to go. Explain to them that every ticket purchased is directly contributing to the animals’ miserable lives.

 

5. If you live nearby, please consider holding periodic demonstrations outside the park. We can help..

6. Sign this petition and help me spread the word!