Protesters in Holtsville, New York, are demanding justice for Honey, a black bear who was euthanized at the Ecology Center after suffering from what critics call inhumane conditions. Approximately 30 members of Humane Long Island gathered to protest, urging for the closure of the facility and the relocation of other animals there.
The protest was sparked by Honey’s death and allegations that she endured neglect, including untreated health problems, during her time at the facility.
Honey, who was 27 years old, had been living at the Holtsville refuge after being donated along with her brother Pooh by animal exhibitor Larry Wallach. Wallach’s business was shut down by a New York Supreme Court order following reports of animal abuse.
According to Humane Long Island, Honey suffered from recurring urinary tract infections and severe dental issues, including rotted and broken teeth, which they allege were ignored by the facility’s staff. Her condition worsened, and she suffered a stroke on November 22, which ultimately led to her euthanasia.
The staff at the refuge, however, deny the allegations, claiming that Honey’s death was due to natural causes related to her advanced age. Dan Losquadro, the superintendent of the Brookhaven Town Highway Department that oversees the facility, explained that Honey was well past the typical life expectancy for a bear and had developed serious health problems.
Protests Erupt in Holtsville Over Alleged Neglect Leading to Honey the Bear’s Death
He emphasized that the animal’s passing was a sad but expected event for such an elderly bear, further asserting that the facility had passed a surprise Department of Agriculture inspection prior to her death.
Critics of the Holtsville Ecology Center, including former workers and protest organizers, argue that the refuge is poorly managed. They claim that the highway department lacks the expertise to care for the animals, who are often transferred from one problematic situation to another.
The facility houses more than 100 injured or sick animals that cannot survive in the wild, yet protesters assert that the conditions are inadequate for their care. Humane Long Island president John Di Leonardo criticized the facility for failing to provide proper veterinary care and claimed that animals like Honey and Pooh were neglected and kept in unsuitable enclosures.
The protesters are calling for the closure of the Holtsville Ecology Center and the relocation of the remaining animals to qualified sanctuaries. They argue that the animals at the facility deserve better care, pointing to the alleged mistreatment and lack of proper medical attention.
As Honey’s death brings attention to these concerns, Humane Long Island is pushing for changes to ensure that animals are no longer subjected to what they describe as cruel and unsafe conditions.
