Target: Whitney-Marie K. Bostick, District Attorney, Juneau, Alaska
Goal: Seek maximum lawful penalties, lifetime animal-ownership and exhibition bans, and full restitution after a wildlife center allegedly caused preventable animal deaths and severe suffering.
Prosecutors have charged a longtime wildlife exhibitor with multiple counts of animal cruelty, including three Class C felonies. Two felony counts reportedly center on preventable deaths of a moose and a porcupine following alleged starvation or improper diets. A third felony reportedly involves a brown bear found with inflamed, infected skin abrasions and active tooth infections. Investigators say dozens of animals were seized, with many transferred to long-term placements for care.
Charging documents reportedly reference years of inspections, letters, and warnings about cleanliness, drinking water, nutrition, and veterinary care that were not resolved. Officials also report an ongoing inquiry into additional animal deaths over several years tied to the facility. The defendant has publicly denied wrongdoing, yet the record described by authorities indicates a persistent pattern that allegedly risked serious harm to captive wildlife.
Accountability must be firm and visible. Wildlife used for public display or education deserve lawful, humane care every day. This petition urges prosecutors to pursue maximum penalties supported by evidence, permanent bans on owning, keeping, breeding, exhibiting, or transporting wild animals, and restitution for veterinary treatment and placement costs. If the defendant fails to appear, authorities should seek appropriate measures to secure court attendance and protect any remaining animals. Swift, proportionate action will deter future cruelty and safeguard Alaska’s wild creatures.
PETITION LETTER:
District Attorney Bostick,
Reports describe a pattern of cruelty charges against a wildlife exhibitor, including three Class C felony counts. Two felonies reportedly involve preventable deaths of a moose and a porcupine attributed by experts to starvation or improper diets, while a third reportedly concerns a brown bear found with infected skin abrasions and dental infections. Additional materials cited by investigators reference years of regulatory concerns and numerous animals seized to ensure proper care.
We respectfully urge your office to pursue every charge supported by the evidence and to seek maximum lawful penalties at sentencing. Please request lifetime prohibitions on owning, keeping, exhibiting, breeding, or transporting wild or domestic animals, along with unannounced compliance checks and no-contact orders that protect witnesses and custodial facilities.
We also ask that you seek restitution covering veterinary care, diagnostics, rehabilitation, transport, and placement for all affected animals. Should the defendant fail to appear, we urge appropriate steps to secure court jurisdiction. A strong, transparent outcome will deter future misconduct and affirm that Alaska will not tolerate alleged neglect or cruelty toward captive wildlife.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Enrico Blasutto
