Editor:
Before you decide to take your kids to the next circus that comes to town, consider this:
Since 1990, there have been 656 incidents involving death, injury and property damage caused by captive elephants and large cats at circuses.
A circus that comes to our area each year no longer possesses an exhibitor licence from the USDA because of several infractions, including:
-Three citations for elephant-caused injuries, including one incident when an elephant knocked down her trainer and started kicking him, while she was giving rides to children;
-One citation for an animal escape;
-Two citations for improper handling and unsafe handling of a bear (you know, when you are sitting next to it, getting your photo taken?)
-Eight citations for not providing adequate veterinary care, such as a tiger’s broken leg not being treated for four weeks;
-Four citations for not providing adequate enclosures, shelter, space or drinking water
There are pages of infractions from this circus- and this is only counting what they were “caught and convicted” of doing.
Do you need more to be convinced that this operation is not a safe place to bring your kids to?
Can we not follow in the footsteps of Nelson and Castlegar, who can still enjoy this circus but WITHOUT the animal acts?
Kelowna, Kamloops, Salmon Arm, Vancouver, Victoria and many other towns in B.C. have prohibited or severely restricted performing wild animal acts.
Why are we so far behind the times here?
No one, not even trainers, can predict when an animal is going to endanger the lives of people.
For your own safety, stay away from this circus…or take a road trip to Nelson or Castlegar to enjoy it.
Joanne Muirhead,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 8, 2009

KUDOS TO TOWN FOR TRAILER PARKING LOT

Editor:
Re: Trailer parking lot at Main and Harbour Key.

Hats off for Mayor Stu Wells and his Council for creating a unique opportunity for tourists and local businesses alike by alleviating a nightmarish situation along Main Street.

I counted 53 trailers, large and small, in the fenced lot on July 3, and another seven outside the fence.

At an average length of 14 feet, we’ve thereby freed up about half a mile of curbside!

Art Molenkamp,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 8, 2009

WRITER FEELS CRANKY TOURISTS NEED TO CHILL

Editor:

I’d like to tell you of a couple of recent encounters with some tourists.

On July 1, Canada Day, I had the privilege of going out with friends on their boat to watch the fireworks.

We had a couple of annoying people driving too fast, no anchors, etc., no big deal.

Then on our way home, one guy has to speed up ahead of everyone to get under the bridge before everyone else.

Once we get to the other side, we were at around Safari Beach when we noticed a boat with no stern light.

So, trying to be friendly, my friend says to him “Hey buddy, your lights aren’t working properly, ya better be careful, someone might run into you.”

His reply: “F**k off!”

What ???

The next thing that happened to me, I was at the boat launch at the sailing club.

I had parked my car by the trailers, it was busy.

I had been there for about four minutes, when this guy came to back up his trailer.

But because of his lack of experience, he gave it one try, and he must have felt he could not do it.

I was about to ask him if he would like me to move my car for him.

Before I could say anything, he got out of his truck and yelled: “Hey b**ch, move your f**king car.”

So I did, then left disgusted.

So listen tourists, if you’re on holidays, chill out, enjoy, this is not the big city, people still talk to each other here.

You can’t deal with that, stay home!

Carla Prasad,

Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-July 8, 2009