Petition: Demand Transparency and Review in the Case of Sunshine Bonanza and Moonlight Bonanza

The Issue

We, supporters of animal welfare and responsible governance, are seeking clarity regarding the handling of two imported horses, Sunshine Bonanza and Moonlight Bonanza, linked to Bonanza Stables and Royan Smith.

The horses arrived in Grenada on or around May 29, 2026, and were subsequently detained and euthanised following intervention by the relevant authorities.

According to official statements presented by the Ministry of Agriculture during a public press briefing, the decision was based on biosecurity considerations, including import compliance requirements and veterinary findings referencing Equine Babesiosis as part of the risk assessment process.

Authorities have also publicly outlined their rationale for the actions taken under existing animal importation and biosecurity regulations.

Our Concern

This petition does not seek to challenge the importance of biosecurity enforcement or national disease prevention measures.

However, the case has generated public discussion regarding procedural transparency and communication in high-risk animal import cases, particularly in relation to:

The timeline of decision-making and enforcement actions

Communication between authorities and the importer prior to irreversible action

The documentation and record-keeping of veterinary and administrative decisions

The clarity and consistency of publicly communicated information across agencies

The application of established safeguards in urgent biosecurity situations

Our Call for Action

We respectfully acknowledge that the Ministry of Agriculture has now publicly outlined its position and decision-making process in relation to this case.

This petition therefore shifts its focus to broader public interest considerations and future safeguards, and calls on the relevant authorities to:

1. Strengthen Procedural Consistency

Ensure that import, quarantine, and biosecurity procedures are applied consistently and documented clearly across all future cases involving imported animals.

2. Maintain Clear Communication Standards

Reinforce systems that ensure importers receive timely, clear, and documented communication throughout regulatory and enforcement processes.

3. Support Ongoing Review of Safeguards

Continue reviewing and improving procedural safeguards to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in high-risk animal import decisions.

Closing Statement

We support strong biosecurity protections, animal welfare standards, and responsible governance. At the same time, maintaining clear, consistent, and transparent procedures is essential to preserving public trust in regulatory systems.

This petition is submitted in the public interest to encourage ongoing improvement in how similar cases are managed in the future.

Every signature helps encourage transparency and accountability.

Support the Campaign (Optional)

Those wishing to support Mr. Royan Smith’s legal costs may do so here:
https://gofund.me/9072faa33