Killer Bear's Owner Was A Peta Target
Latest: Hollywood animal trainer Randy Miller became a target for animal rights activists last year, months before his prize bear attacked and killed its trainer this week (beg21Apr08).
The five-year-old grizzly, which featured in Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro movie, had to be restrained with pepper spray after fatally biting 39-year-old trainer Stephan Miller at the Predators in Action facility in Big Bear, California.
And as animal rights activists call for the bear, named Rocky, to be retired from showbusiness, officials People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals have revealed Miller and his facility were on their radar in 2007.
Following Tuesday's tragedy, Peta bosses have rereleased inspection reports and other documents that prove Miller's sanctuary and training facility was a poor home for the big cats and other wild animals the acclaimed trainer took in.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture report, obtained by Peta, suggests Miller's animals were kept in small enclosures with no roofs and cages were damaged and broken.
Peta bosses have also unearthed print ads Miller paid for in 2005's Animal Finders' Guide publication, in which he attempted to sell an assortment of big cats and a black bear.
As officials decide whether or not to euthanise Rocky, bosses at the American Humane Association feel sure the bear will never work on a film or TV set again.
A spokeswoman says, "We would probably not be comfortable working with Rocky on the set. It would be a liability issue."...
The five-year-old grizzly, which featured in Will Ferrell's Semi-Pro movie, had to be restrained with pepper spray after fatally biting 39-year-old trainer Stephan Miller at the Predators in Action facility in Big Bear, California.
And as animal rights activists call for the bear, named Rocky, to be retired from showbusiness, officials People For The Ethical Treatment of Animals have revealed Miller and his facility were on their radar in 2007.
Following Tuesday's tragedy, Peta bosses have rereleased inspection reports and other documents that prove Miller's sanctuary and training facility was a poor home for the big cats and other wild animals the acclaimed trainer took in.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture report, obtained by Peta, suggests Miller's animals were kept in small enclosures with no roofs and cages were damaged and broken.
Peta bosses have also unearthed print ads Miller paid for in 2005's Animal Finders' Guide publication, in which he attempted to sell an assortment of big cats and a black bear.
As officials decide whether or not to euthanise Rocky, bosses at the American Humane Association feel sure the bear will never work on a film or TV set again.
A spokeswoman says, "We would probably not be comfortable working with Rocky on the set. It would be a liability issue."...
- 4/24/2008
- WENN
Movie Bear Kills Trainer
The grizzly bear featured in Will Ferrell's movie Semi-pro has attacked and killed a 39-year-old trainer at a Hollywood animal sanctuary.
Five year old Rocky was restrained with pepper spray after biting Stephan Miller on the neck at the Predators in Action facility in Big Bear, California, which is owned by his cousin Randy Miller.
Medics were called after the attack on Tuesday, but were unable to revive Miller.
Rocky - who is 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) tall and weighs 317 kilograms (700 pounds) - wrestled with Ferrell in his recent movie, and was recently described by Randy Miller as "the best bear in the business".
The Department of Fish and Game will now decide Rocky's fate, following an investigation.
Five year old Rocky was restrained with pepper spray after biting Stephan Miller on the neck at the Predators in Action facility in Big Bear, California, which is owned by his cousin Randy Miller.
Medics were called after the attack on Tuesday, but were unable to revive Miller.
Rocky - who is 2.3 metres (7.5 feet) tall and weighs 317 kilograms (700 pounds) - wrestled with Ferrell in his recent movie, and was recently described by Randy Miller as "the best bear in the business".
The Department of Fish and Game will now decide Rocky's fate, following an investigation.
- 4/23/2008
- WENN
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