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The Animal Welfare Cause
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Loading...Legal Charges Filed to Free Queenie the Elephant
Queenie, the elephant that was left behind tied to a tree after two other elephants were rescued from their abusive owner last August, will hopefully get her freedom soon.
In Defense of Animals (IDA), the organization that has worked for two years trying to rescue the three elephants announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) filed formal charges against their handler, Wilbur Davenport, in order to rescue Queenie.
Davenport, who operates a company called Maximus “Tons of Fun” was charged with multiple violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act related to the care of the three elephants named Tina, Jewel and Queenie.
The charges state that, “the gravity of the violations alleged…is great” and that Davenport has “not shown good faith” in his repeated unwillingness to comply with the Animal Welfare Act and its regulations.
In August, the USDA along with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service seized Tina and Jewel and sent them to the San Diego Zoo’s new Conrad Prebys Elephant Care Center, where they are receiving veterinary care. At the time they had to leave Queenie behind, where she was chained to a tree on Davenport’s property.
The San Diego Zoo has reported that Tina and Jewel have each gained more than 300 pounds since arriving at the special care center.
Many of the charges listed in the formal complaint were brought to the attention of the USDA by IDA, which monitored the treatment of the three elephants for more than two years.
“Charges against Davenport for his egregious abuse of elephants and violations of federal law are long overdue,” said Suzanne Roy, IDA’s program director. “The USDA must now use the full force of the law to get Queenie out of Davenport’s hands to the safety of a sanctuary and ensure that Davenport will not ever abuse another animal.”
The 10-page document accuses Davenport of:
- Defying federal officials and not allowing them access to the animals.
- Not providing adequate veterinary care.
- Failing to handle the elephants in a safe and humane manner.
- Failing to protect the elephants from extreme temperatures and provide food with sufficient nutritional value.
If Davenport is found guilty he could face penalties of up to $2,500 a day for each violation and be sentenced to up to three years in prison.
And as far as Queenie’s future is concerned, both the PAWS sanctuary in California and The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee are ready to accept her into their facilities and give her the quality care she deserves for the rest of her life.
Hopefully the next update you read about this sad situation will show Queenie a new safe haven home.
To read more about the elephants check out: Tina and Jewel Are Safe, But Queenie Still Needs Help by Alicia Graef
Read more: animal welfare, criminal charges filed against handler, queenie the elephant
In Defense of Animals
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+ add your ownI could go on and on about the monsters out there whose biggest thrill is to abuse and kill helpless animals. I don't care if they send in a SWAT team...they need to get all of the animals that are suffering out of there into a safe, responsible sancuary. Everytime I read any of these animals I cry for the rest of the day...and I'm so angry. I'm passionate about animals (I can never watch the videos about the abuse, I can't stand it. I wish I could do more. My husband is out of work and I'm handicapped. I'm contacting IDA, who apparently took the other animals, but left Queenie. I'm also contacting the USDA. These people aren't doing their jobs. Every day that they procrastinate, another animal is suffering or being killed. I hope that I can do something.
Why isn't Queenie the elephant receiving more help. That poor elephant has suffered way too much for so long and lives her life chained to a tree. Where are the authorities? This is animal abuse and her "owner" should go to jail..the slime-ball.
What in God's name is happening with this poor animal? She's been suffering physically, mentally and emotionally for a very long time. Her two friends, Tina and Jewel, were removed from this creep's home...and Queenie is left behind? This jerk is breaking the law...and nothing is being done? Where in the He** is law enforcement...and the USDA? This is absolutely inexcusable.
Ok we need an update on Queenie, is she free??? please let us know. Thank you...
Ok its been a while, what is going on with Queenie? is she safe?? please someone reply...
We in Australia have the same problem with an elephant 'Saigon',she is the last elephant in a traveling circus,her owner agreed to retire her on her property,instead she took her to another state,Saigon is 50 also,the owner is very attached to her and wants her with her ,these elephants have more than earned a sanctuary to retire in ,preferably with other elephants as they are ,as you know very family orientated ,I hope one day there will be no animals in in the circus and zoo's ,roaming free.
It's now February - what is the latest on Queenie? has she been moved to safety? and what about Lucy, in the zoo in Edmonton?
Yes to the poll question.
"Show me the enforced laws of a state for the prevention of cruelty to animals and I in turn will give you a correct estimate of the refinement, enlightenment, integrity and equity of that commonwealth's people." ~ L.T. Danshiell, Animal Rights Advocate
"The awful wrongs and sufferings forced upon the innocent, helpless, faithful animal race form the blackest chapter in the whole world's history." ~ Edward Freeman, English Historian and Commentator
"Nothing living should ever be treated with contempt. Whatever it is that lives, a man, a tree, or a bird, should be touched gently, because the time is short. Civilization is another word for respect for life...." - Elizabeth Goudge, author of The Joy of the Snow
Queenie should be freed!
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