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

As concerned citizens, community members, and animal welfare advocates, we are calling for transparency, clarity, and an independent review of the handling of two imported horses, Sunshine Bonanza and Moonlight Bonanza, which recently arrived in Grenada from St. Lucia.

The Issue

Following their arrival in Grenada, the horses were euthanized shortly thereafter by the relevant authorities, amid concerns relating to import documentation compliance  including a positive test for Babesia spp.

This situation has understandably raised public concern regarding the procedures followed, the timing of decisions, and the communication between relevant authorities and the importer.

At the heart of this petition is a shared concern for both animal welfare and the integrity of regulatory processes.

Recent Developments

Since this petition was launched, Grenadian authorities have publicly stated that the horses were imported without the required permits at the time of entry, and that enforcement action may be considered in relation to the importer, Mr. Royan Smith.

Officials have also defended the decision taken on biosecurity grounds, citing national animal health protection requirements.

These developments have contributed to broader public discussion about how livestock import matters are managed, particularly in situations involving documentation issues, veterinary findings, and time-sensitive decisions.

Our Concern

This petition does not seek to undermine biosecurity enforcement or lawful regulatory authority. It is instead focused on understanding how established procedures were applied in this case, including:

- How veterinary assessments were conducted and reviewed

- Whether import and biosecurity protocols were consistently applied

- How communication was managed between authorities and the importer

- Whether all reasonable procedural safeguards were followed prior to irreversible action

The concern extends beyond this individual case and relates to the importance of ensuring that clear, consistent, and transparent procedures exist for all imported animals in the future.

Our Call for Review

We respectfully call on relevant authorities and regional stakeholders to:

- Provide a clear and transparent account of the procedures and decision-making framework applied in this case

- Clarify how import documentation, veterinary assessments, and biosecurity protocols are coordinated in urgent or disputed cases

- Review communication processes to ensure importers receive timely and accurate information

- Ensure that consistent procedural safeguards are in place before irreversible outcomes occur

Closing Statement

Strong biosecurity systems are essential for protecting animal and public health. At the same time, transparency, accountability, clear communication, humane treatment of animals, and fair procedures are necessary to maintain public trust in any regulatory system.

This petition is submitted in the public interest to encourage clarity, consistency, and continuous improvement in how similar cases are managed in the future.

Every signature supports transparency, accountability, and better communication in future livestock import cases.

Support the Campaign (Optional)

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