Target: Mark Hartley, Director of the South Carolina Natural Resources Board
Goal: Ban the ownership of dangerous exotic animals by private individuals and non-accredited zoos.
A recent tragedy at a petting zoo in South Carolina, in which a man was reportedly beaten to death by a kangaroo, highlights the urgent need for reform regarding the ownership and management of exotic animals. Eric Slate’s body was reportedly discovered with multiple blunt force injuries inside the kangaroo enclosure at 5-Star Farm, where he had a history of entering the pen to “roughhouse” with the animal. This shocking incident raises serious concerns about the safety protocols in place at facilities that keep potentially dangerous exotic animals.
Adult male red kangaroos can weigh nearly 200 pounds and stand up to 5 feet 11 inches tall, possessing powerful feet capable of delivering lethal kicks. Despite the alarming nature of this recent event, the kangaroo that was involved remains unrestrained and unexamined for the potential risks it may pose in the future. The lack of oversight in the handling of such exotic animals exemplifies a troubling trend in South Carolina, where regulations around exotic animal ownership are among the most lenient in the country.
There is an imperative need for the implementation of more stringent regulations surrounding exotic animal ownership to protect both the animals and the public. The heartbreaking loss of Eric Slate should not be in vain. The demand is clear: establish a ban on keeping the most dangerous wild animals, and ensure those currently in captivity are safely brought to better homes.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Director Hartley,
The tragic incident involving the death of Eric Slate at a South Carolina petting zoo underscores a critical flaw in the current regulations surrounding exotic animal ownership and handling in our state. As reported, Slate, who had entered the kangaroo enclosure for what was described as “roughhousing,” was found dead with multiple blunt force injuries. This situation raises alarming red flags regarding the safety of both animal and human interactions at facilities like 5-Star Farm, where exotic animals are kept for public engagement.
Adult male red kangaroos, known to reach weights of nearly 200 pounds, are not inherently dangerous but can be incredibly powerful and unpredictable when provoked or startled. The death of Eric Slate could have been avoided by prohibiting the keeping of such wild animals in captivity at non-accredited establishments. It is essential that the safety of both exotic animals and the public be prioritized through effective legislation.
In light of this tragic event, we implore you to advocate for and implement stricter regulations on the ownership and handling of exotic animals. Animals that pose a significant danger to humans should not be owned by individuals or non-accredited zoos.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
