THE SEA LION.

Evening Star, Issue 22631, 24 April 1937, Page 9

THE SEA LION.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —Your “ local ” in Wednesday’s

‘ Star ’ on Sammy the sea lion at Macandrew Bay stated that the secretary for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals reported that a justified complaint or his ill-treatment had been received. As secretary of the Gala Committee, I must, in fairness to my committee, give an emphatic denial’to the alleged complaint. My committee would welcome further inquiry by the society and is prepared to give a donation to the society if any instance of alleged cruelty can be proved, providing, of course, that the person making the complaint is prepared to do likewise. Erratic statements have been circulated that the seal was confined, starved, and ill-treated during his three days’ sojourn in Macandrew Bay. This is contrary to fact, inasmuch as Sammy had free access to the water both day and night, scwt of fish was provided by fishermen residing here, and, in fact, Sammy received such good treatment that he was loth to leave.

The alleged cruelty by an Alsatian dog is somewhat humorous to all those who witnessed the seene. Sammy it was who started the fun, and the dog was not too sure as to Sammy’s inten-

tions. Eventually the dog joined in and apparently enjoyed it as much as Sammy. However, the dog seemed to tire and went to go away, but Sammy, like Oliver Twist, was looking for more. At no time did the dog make any attempt to bite the seal. The impression of the scene as I saw it was that both animals were enjoying themselves and having a good frolic. I would respectfully ask the society to make further inquiries, and if the evidence of cruelty cannot be sustained, in all fairness to withdraw the inference that has been publicly circulated.— I am, etc..

W. Brockman, (Secretary, Gala Committee) April 23.