Bear sent to sanctuary after years as ice cream shop draw [View all]

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP

HALLAM, Pa. (AP) — A female bear is on the way to a Colorado wildlife sanctuary after nearly two decades as a caged attraction at a Pennsylvania ice cream shop.

The Animal Legal Defense Fund announced Little Ricki's release Monday, ending a legal and animal rights battle that drew worldwide attention.

The organization and four residents sued for the bear's release in December.

They argued Ricki's concrete enclosure at Jim Mack's Ice Cream shop near York was inadequate, causing a decline in her mental and physical health.

FULL story at link.



Read more: http://bigstory.ap.org/article/bb8674131f0e47eeaf076b51cd783642/bear-sent-sanctuary-after-years-ice-cream-shop-draw

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Thank you to ALL that signed the E petition last month: Free Bear Caged at Ice Cream Parlor in York, PA for 18 Years E action! (link fixed!): http://www.democraticunderground.com/10026041606



http://www.thepetitionsite.com/285/609/007/free-bear-caged-at-ice-cream-parlor-for-18-years/





Ricky, an 18-year-old black bear, has spent her entire life caged in a concrete enclosure outside Jim Mack's Ice Cream parlor in York, Pa. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) observed and took footage of Ricky with matted hair, eating dog food with only green-looking water available.

The bear lives alone on hard concrete 100% of the time, and is forced to endure cold Pennsylvania winters. She eats an unnatural, boring diet of dog food and corn.

Pennsylvania state regulations require wild animals to receive humane care and treatment, which Ricky does not. Please sign the petition to urge the York County Common Pleas Court to free Ricky so she can live the rest of her life on a sanctuary with other bears and space to roam free.

Petition: overview

Ricky, an 18-year-old black bear, has spent her entire life caged in a concrete enclosure outside Jim Mack's Ice Cream parlor in York, Pa. The Animal Legal Defense Fund (ALDF) observed and took footage of Ricky with matted hair, eating dog food with only green-looking water available.

The bear lives alone on hard concrete 100% of the time, and is forced to endure cold Pennsylvania winters. She eats an unnatural, boring diet of dog food and corn.

Pennsylvania state regulations require wild animals to receive humane care and treatment, which Ricky does not. Please sign the petition to urge the York County Common Pleas Court to free Ricky so she can live the rest of her life on a sanctuary with other bears and space to roam free.