Seizure highlights link between crime and cruelty

The warning comes after the charity rescued two horses from the same Warwick premises where police recently recovered millions of dollars worth of drugs as well as hundreds of rounds of live ammunition.

The SPCA says the retired carriage horse, called Cash Money, and former racing pony, Bud Light, had no food or fresh water. The charity had received reports from concerned members of the public about the welfare of the two horses prior to the drug seizure.

And it made the decision to seize the two animals after police and Customs officers recovered more than $10 million of cannabis, heroin and cocaine as well as ammunition from the house that borders the makeshift stables.

Debbie Masters, SPCA animal welfare officer, told the Bermuda Sun the two animals were starving when officers attended the stables and said it was “heart-breaking” to see how desperate for food they were.

No food, water

She added: “On the day the animals were seized the SPCA found no food or water as well as a dirty paddock and stalls.

“There were safety hazards such as protruding nails that the animals cut themselves on in the fencing and a tack room littered with junk, clothing, horse harnesses and an empty broken down rabbit hutch.”

Kim Sherlaw, SPCA director, said: “There is a growing body of evidence worldwide that clearly links heinous acts towards animals to serious human-related crimes including illegal firearms possession and drug trafficking.

“This link is proving impossible to ignore in Bermuda. The two go hand in hand often.

“Communities must recognize that abuse to any living being is unacceptable and endangers everyone.

“When animal services and law enforcement work independently, as they do in most places, crimes and victims — human and animal — are often overlooked.”

“We want to encourage the cross-training of social-services, police and animal-control agencies in how to recognize signs of animal abuse as possible indicators of criminal activity and other abusive behaviours.

“Through joint awareness and reporting, the suffering of humans and animals can be prevented.”

Just last month head animal warden Jeffrey Benevides revealed that ninety per cent of the illegal breeding of restricted breeds of dogs involves people who are already involved in criminal activity.

It has also long been understood that drug dealers use pit bulls and other banned breeds to guard their stashes.

The SPCA believes that the links between crime and animal neglect are becoming more pronounced on the island.

And they say the recent seizure of Cash Money and Bud Light highlights this trend.

Since the two horses were rescued by the SPCA Cash Money, who was well known for wearing a large straw hat on Front Street, has been found a new home.

Ms Sherlaw added: “Since learning of Cash Money’s trials and tribulations a generous person who wants to remain anonymous has stepped forward to give Cash Money the life he finally deserves in his golden years.

“This person will pay all of Cash Money’s board, food, exercise and veterinary care for the remainder of his life at a private stable.  The SPCA is indebted to the compassion of the community who come forward and rescue these animals.”

Often ponies are sold or even passed on for free to new owners if the animals do not make the grade on the racetrack. In the past, animals have also been traded over e-moo in a bid to pass them on to someone else.

At present the SPCA is looking after four former racing ponies — including Bud Light who was rescued from the Warwick property where police recovered drugs and ammunition last month. All of the ponies are in desperate need of a caring home.

It costs the charity more than $900 to look after one pony every month.

Kim Sherlaw, SPCA director, said: “The SPCA is seeking a home for Bud Light, the eight-year-old former racing pony that was seized on the same property. Bud has also been under investigation for neglect.