August 18, 2016 Robert Gibbens, D.V.M Director, Animal Welfare Operations USDA/APHIS/AC Western Region 2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. B, Mailstop 3W11 Fort Collins, CO 80526-8117 Via E-mail: robert.m.gibbens@usda.gov; acwest@aphis.usda.gov Dear Dr. Gibbens: On behalf of Utah Animal Rights Coalition (UARC) and our members and supporters, this is a formal complaint regarding apparent violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and its pursuant regulations regarding the treatment of three captive bears by licensed USDA exhibitor Bob Steele III, dba The Great Bear Show (Cert. No. 74-C-0837). UARC investigators, including the complainant, attended Mr. Steele s show at the Salt Lake County Fair on August 16, 2016. The investigators observed and documented the following apparent AWA violations: 9 C.F.R. 2.40 (b)(3): Failure to provide adequate veterinary care. Barney, a young black bear, was observed to have large patches of hair loss around his neck and elbows. 1 Barney was observed scratching at these areas and rubbing these areas against the fence. This condition can be indicative of significant stress. If left untreated, this hair loss can result in skin abrasions, cuts, and ultimately, serious infections. Until this is under control, Barney should not have iron chains tied around his neck and he should not be used in any further public displays. 9 C.F.R. 2.131 (b)(1): Improper handling of animals. Throughout the performance, the bears have large iron chains tied around their necks. These chains are pulled to get them to stand on seesaws and barrels, or to get them to sit in a chair. 2 It is apparent that this method of handling causes trauma behavioral stress, physical harm, or discomfort. Additionally, the bears were observed to engage in neurotic stereotypic behaviors, like endless pacing, head swinging, and self-biting. These behaviors are indicative of 1 See Exhibit A. 2 See Exhibit B.
significant stress, which could be the result of malnutrition, lack of enrichment, or improper handling. 9 C.F.R. 2.131 (c)(1): Unsafe public exhibition. The AWA requires that any animal must be handled so there is minimal risk of harm to the animal and to the public, with sufficient distance and/or barriers between the animal and the general viewing public so as to assure the safety of animals and the public. At the conclusion of the show, audience members were invited, for a fee, to have selfies taken with the bear. The bear was sitting in an unrestrained chair only a few feet from the audience members. The only barrier between these members of the public some of whom were young children was a two-foot wide poorly anchored piece of plexi-glass. As audience members walk up, the barrier offers no protection. 3 These violations deserve special attention in light of the fact that Bob Steele, the license-holder and owner of this business, has a long, shameful track record of mistreating the animals in his care. Mr. Steele has been cited by the USDA following inspections that occurred on March 12, 2012, February 5, 2015, August 26, 2015, and March 7, 2016. Several of these violations were similar in nature to those observed by the complainant and involved the same bears. 4 It is astounding that Mr. Steele is allowed to continue his pattern of reckless disregard for AWA standards. The continued existence of Mr. Steele s business is a living testimony to the profound failure of the AWA enforcement system to rein in repeat offenders and to protect animals from abuse. I hope this unfortunate trend will be reversed soon. I appreciate your prompt attention to attention to this matter. I can be reached at 385-275-8341 or jeremy@utahanimalrights.com should you have any questions. Sincerely, Jeremy Beckham, Director Utah Animal Rights Coalition 3 See Exhibit C. 4 See Exhibit D. 2
Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
USDA ~ BobSleelelll The Groat-5mw 22<5 ~ c..c Off Jel!OBCf\ TJ( 75657 United States Oepartmen1 ot Agricuhure Animal and Plan! Heahh Inspection S6Mce Inspection Report eu-10 3t29..., C«Uit4te 7~7.. S.te TRA ~ 67161607500453 IBSPJd Type ROlJTINE INSPECTIOH Date Feb 26-20t6 2.40 (b) (3} REPEAT ATTENDING VETERINARIAN AND ADEQUATE VETERINARY CARE (DEALERS AND EXHIBITORS}. Repeat 2.00 (b) (3} Barney. an approximately 2 year old mate cinnamon black bear. was oblerved with Iaroe pa1d'im ot hair loss around his ned<. laoe, and haltway _, both the right and leflskles ol M body Duling lhla lnspecl]oo Barney was also obsel'ved ICflncHng him&elt in the area$ of hair Joss. USOA lnspec;tlon ~edjanuort 30. 20t5, indlcajed Barney s oorolion 6ldsled..,.....,.the same areas o1 the body. The...,... ol '*-1' 30, 20t5 also Slaled lhe allending YOCennaritw> was c:onlaoled and lho c:ondijon wao &rea!ed back 1n Ncwembef 2014. I was also stated lt'l8 pmches ol hair 1oM W'Qfe muc:t1 smaller at thai 11m&. Mt S1eele P<OdUCed a doa.menl dated Februaty It, 20t5 ~Barney hod been S-' and """"""ed by l'is vocorinorian. Tho..,ttrmrian pe<lormed a siun scr-and preocribod..._and.,_ 31ally ~ntaiioi"' Although documenta11on lnclica1m Barney s hair loss problem was seen by a veterinarian, i1 C()(ltinues to be an ongoing cw reoecurlng problem since at least November 20 14. Hcb.r loss can be an indication of an IXIdertying medical oondition which may indude parasites, allergies or some oth&r disettae ptoeess. Hair loss and assoc:iated scratching lnclatet Barney is &>lpel'iencing skin irritation and discomfotl. Barney s hair loss noeda to be adctes$00 ag.ain by the attending veterinarian and ~gnostics run to determine 1he ul"fderlying cau$0 ond a ltoatmont regime started to oo«ed lhls condition. Corroot by: March 25, 2016 An exit imemew was conducted wrth a lac:ility representative a1 the close o4 this W'ISpection. This was a travelong Sill Inspection oonducled atlhe MedfO<d OR Spon$ S-. Prepa~ By: I T1=1M LECROY A 1 =- I Date: Title: Mar 07 20t6 Received By: Date: Title: MOJ 07 20t6
USDA ~ BobSleelel l l The Groat-5mw 22<5 ~ c..c Off Jel!OBCf\ TJ( 75657 United States Oepartmen1 ot Agricuhure Animal and Plant Heahh Inspection S6Mce Inspection Report c.-to 3 t29..., C«Uit4te 7~7 S.te OOt.. - 238151024.510511 IBSPJd Type ROlJTINE INSPECTIOH Date Aug>-25 20 t5 3.125 (0} FACILITIES, GENERAL "The metal doof' frame at lhe front of the bear enclosure is excessively rustod at lhe bonom. The frame is flaking and eroclng In the rusted area. S11ue1urat integrity of the door and endosure and animal containment may eventually be impacrad li the dotorlorauon oontlnuos. 'One ot the resmg aurteoesllhetlers in the bear enclosute is constructed ol wood panel& attached to a metal sur1aoe at the bottom. Some of the paneb: have been removed by the bears and pieces or brokon metal and nails used 10 secure me wood are now visible, potentially aotle$$ible to the animals and could cause ifliufy. Housing 1-muSI be SIIUCIUI-ally soood and maittainedln good repu to.,..,..., tho animals from I~ and to contain lhe animmi.. The descah:f ~Ofrised areas should be repaired or replaced. Correa by~- 26. 20t5. Prepa~ By: I HAP.Y MOORE [ 1 V M Date: Title: Aug 26-20t5 Received By: Date: Title: Aug-26 20 t 5
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Inspection Report 225871 RCOLEMAN insp_id BOB STEELE, I I I THE GREAT BEAR SHOW 2245 KELLYVILLE CUT OFF JEFFERSON, TX 75657 Customer ID: 3129 Certificate: 58-C-0375 Site: TRA TRAVELING Type: ROUTINE INSPECTION Date: Aug-08-2008 2.131 (c) (1) HANDLING OF ANIMALS. (c)(1) During public exhibition, any animal must be handled so there is minimal risk of harm to the animal and to the public, with sufficient distance and/or barriers between the animal and the general viewing public so as to assure the safety of animals and the public. *** During the adult bear exhibition, the handler restrains the bears on individual lead lines attached to the bears' collars. At times during the exhibition, the handler releases the leash and allows it to hang free while the bears perform. The handler does remain near the bear during this time.the bears perform behind a barrier made of plastic construction snow fencing. Although this fence does keep the public away from the bears, it is not a sufficient barrier should the bears get away from the handler. An additional barrier and or distance is required for this exhibition to ensure the safety of both the public and the bears. Correct for all future exhibitions *** During a photo shoot with an adult black bear, the handler restrains the bear by a short lead line attached to the bear's collar. The bear is placed on a metal chair that is not attached to the ground. A piece of Plexiglas approximately 24 inches wide by 5 feet tall is placed between the bear and the public. The Plexiglas is attached to the background for the photos by hinges. The top hinge is broken currently. The licensee stated that the bear broke the hinge recently. During the photo shoot the bear is secured to the chair and the handler moves from in front of the bear for the photo. The Plexiglas barrier is not sufficient the way it is currently constructed. One adult male patron was observed placing his arm over the Plexiglas. The handler did immediately tell the patron to remove his arm. This barrier is not sufficient to keep the bear and the public from coming into contact with each other. The licensee stated he could make improvements to this photo shoot area including connecting the bear chair to the trailer and improving the Plexiglas barrier. Correct for all future exhibitions *** This inspection conducted with Randy Coleman, ACI, Tracy Gavidia, ACI, and Bob Steele, owner at the Cuyahoga Prepared By: Title: Received By: Title: RANDALL E COLEMAN, A C I USDA, APHIS, Animal Care ANIMAL CARE INSPECTOR Inspector 1063 BOB STEELE (b)(6),(b)(7)(c) OWNER Page 1 of 2 Date: Aug-08-2008 Date: Aug-08-2008
United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Inspection Report 225871 RCOLEMAN insp_id County Fair in Berea, OH. Prepared By: Title: Received By: Title: RANDALL E COLEMAN, A C I USDA, APHIS, Animal Care ANIMAL CARE INSPECTOR Inspector 1063 BOB STEELE (b)(6),(b)(7)(c) OWNER Page 2 of 2 Date: Aug-08-2008 Date: Aug-08-2008