Target: Larry Basford, State Attorney, Fourteenth Judicial Circuit, Bay County, Florida
Goal: Ensure a full investigation and pursue accountability if negligence or safety failures led to animals dying in a zoo fire.
Authorities have reported a tragic incident in which six animals died during an early-morning fire at a privately operated zoo. According to officials, the fire broke out near an administrative structure before dawn, and although emergency crews responded quickly, multiple animals were found dead and others required urgent veterinary care. The loss of life has raised serious concerns about fire safety, emergency preparedness, and animal protection at captive wildlife facilities.
The exact cause of the fire remains under investigation by the fire marshal. It has not yet been determined whether faulty infrastructure, inadequate safety systems, or human error may have contributed to the blaze. What is known is that animals confined to enclosures had little or no ability to escape, making them uniquely vulnerable when emergencies occur.
When animals die in captivity during incidents that may be preventable, transparency and accountability are essential. This petition calls for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire and for appropriate legal action if violations of animal welfare, safety, or operational standards are allegedly discovered.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear State Attorney Basford,
We are writing to express deep concern over reports that six animals died in a fire at a zoological facility in Bay County. As reported by authorities, the fire occurred in the early morning hours, and animals housed on-site were unable to escape, resulting in fatalities and additional injuries.
While the cause of the fire is still under investigation, this incident raises troubling questions about fire prevention systems, emergency response protocols, and safeguards for animals kept in captivity. If safety measures were inadequate or ignored, animals would have suffered needlessly as a result.
We respectfully urge your office to closely review the findings of the fire marshal’s investigation and to pursue appropriate action if evidence supports negligence or regulatory violations. Strong enforcement is necessary to protect animals in captivity and to ensure that preventable tragedies like this do not happen again.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Scorpion saxena
