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Beloved Florida aquatic theme park shutters as owners file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy
Beloved Florida aquatic theme park shutters as owners file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Daily Mail​

time3 days ago

  • Business
  • Daily Mail​

Beloved Florida aquatic theme park shutters as owners file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy

Gulf World Marine Park has closed and is now up for sale after years of money troubles and mounting animal welfare concerns. The Panama City, Florida, attraction — a fixture since 1970 — had drawn 150,000 visitors a year but came under fire after five dolphins died between October 2024 and May while performing shows. Police raided the property earlier this year as part of an ongoing probe. 'These are not isolated incidents — they are signs of failure, and they demand immediate action,' Senator Jay Trumbull said in a Facebook post. Parent company The Dolphin Company has since filed for bankruptcy protection, seeking $8 million to restructure. It is looking to sell Gulf World. Miami Seaquarium, home to 500 animals, and Marineland in St Augustine, FL, with 17 dolphins, are also on the market. Gulf World Marine Park was home to various aquatic species and wildlife, including sea lions, turtles and tropical birds. Local residents accused the park of crumbling infrastructure and poor care for its animals. 'The park is just quite literally falling apart, the animals, all but I would say a couple of them, in my eyes, were suffering,' Panama City Beach resident Katie Bashore revealed in May to WJHG. She also claimed the shows took place in structures with algae floating in the water, and insisted it also posed a danger to humans. Broker Matthew Bordwin, who is overseeing the sale, expects Gulf World to be sold between 45 and 90 days. 'It will be sold for redevelopment, and so we're working on that sale,' Bordwin told WJHG last week, adding the firm is 'accepting offers immediately.' With the investigation and parks up for sale, Bordwin expects The Dolphin Company 'will not exist any further' now that its selling assets and animals. Gulf World Marine Park was not the only park to receive the axe this year. Playland amusement park closed its gates in California on March 30 after 70 years following longtime business difficulties. The park had shuttered most of its rides in 2000 over safety hazards, and temporarily shut it down more than once. Visitors were concerned of the park's structures used during its shows Six Flags in Maryland is set to close on November 2, the final day of its annual fright fest. Home to the world's third-oldest roller coaster, the park had been battling money problems, and was considered not to be beneficial in the company's plan to enhance guest experiences. Six Flags is also planning to close its Six Flags California's Great America park after concluding it was 'very low on the ranking margins.' Although it is set to shutter, the Santa Clara tourist attraction is not expected to shut down until 2027. a year before the land lease ends. has reached out to The Dolphin Company about the Gulf World Marine Park closure and animal welfare concerns.

RSPCA warns certain dogs are 'ticking time bomb' that can carry disease risks
RSPCA warns certain dogs are 'ticking time bomb' that can carry disease risks

Daily Record

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • Daily Record

RSPCA warns certain dogs are 'ticking time bomb' that can carry disease risks

The animal welfare charity has likened the process of importing pooches into the UK as "Deliveroo for dogs" Buying or adopting a dog always comes with risks, namely around the canine's health and/or how likely they are to lash out or not take to training as well as the owner would hope. ‌ There are also circumstances that can exacerbate these risks, and it turned out importing dogs into the UK is one of them, according to an animal charity, which is calling for stricter regulations on animal rescues doing just that. ‌ The RSPCA has cited concerns about disease risks and behavioural issues, just as government statistics show that in 2023, 320,000 pets were brought into the UK under travel pet schemes and 44,000 entered as commercial imports. ‌ RSPCA spokesman David Bowles compared the process to " Deliveroo for dogs" and called on the government to tighten regulations on animal rescues. He told the BBC: "The RSPCA's major concern is these dogs are essentially ticking time bombs – coming over, not being health tested. ‌ "Diseases are now coming in through these dogs. They're affecting not just the dogs that are being imported - they could also affect the dogs already in this country and their owners. "They've almost set up a Deliveroo for dogs and that is a real problem." Currently, rescue organisations in Scotland must be licensed, but there is no such rule for England, Wales or Northern Ireland. ‌ Just weeks ago, a bill that aims to stop animal smuggling and cruelty cleared the Commons with cross-party support. Legislation put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Danny Chambers will reduce the number of animals for non-commercial entry into the UK, ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months old or heavily pregnant dogs and cats, and halt the import of dogs and cats who have been "mutilated," including having their ears docked. The MP for Winchester's Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs , Cats and Ferrets) Bill was supported by the Government, and will now proceed to the House of Lords on its passage to becoming law. ‌ "I've seen the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling," Dr Chambers said. "It's unimaginably cruel to separate puppies and kittens from their mothers at a very young age, and then bring them across borders in substandard conditions where they're then sold for maximum profit by unscrupulous traders who prioritise profit over welfare. "Careful consideration has been given to setting these limits, balancing the need to disrupt illegal trade with minimising impact on genuine pet owners. "To underpin this, only an owner, not an authorised person, will be permitted to sign and declare that the movement of a dog or cat is non-commercial." ‌ Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. Mr Chambers criticised the influence of social media on the increased demand for dogs with docked ears, while a party colleague said one reason for the interest in dogs with cropped ears is "that a lot of influencers on Instagram and other social media platforms pose with these dogs or show they have these new dogs with cropped ears". "Many people aren't aware that this is a mutilation," he pointed out. "They think it's how the dogs' ears normally look, and it drives a demand for dogs that look like this."

Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns
Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns

South Wales Guardian

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • South Wales Guardian

Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns

Government statistics reveal that in 2023, 320,000 pets were brought into the UK under travel pet schemes and 44,000 entered as commercial imports. RSPCA spokesman David Bowles likened the process to 'Deliveroo for dogs' and called on the Government to tighten regulations on animal rescues. He told the BBC: 'The RSPCA's major concern is these dogs are essentially ticking time bombs – coming over, not being health tested. 'Diseases are now coming in through these dogs. They're affecting not just the dogs that are being imported, they could also affect the dogs already in this country and their owners. 'They've almost set up a Deliveroo for dogs and that is a real problem.' There is no requirement for rescue organisations to be licensed in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It comes weeks after a bill that aims to stop animal smuggling and cruelty cleared the Commons with cross-party support. Legislation put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Danny Chambers will reduce the number of animals for non-commercial entry into the UK, ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months old or heavily pregnant dogs and cats, and introduce a halt on the import of dogs and cats who have been 'mutilated', including having their ears docked. The MP for Winchester's Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill was supported by the Government, and will now proceed to the House of Lords on its passage to becoming law. Dr Chambers said: 'As a vet, I've seen the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling. It's unimaginably cruel to separate puppies and kittens from their mothers at a very young age, and then bring them across borders in substandard conditions where they're then sold for maximum profit by unscrupulous traders who prioritise profit over welfare.' He added: 'Careful consideration has been given to setting these limits, balancing the need to disrupt illegal trade with minimising impact on genuine pet owners. To underpin this, only an owner, not an authorised person, will be permitted to sign and declare that the movement of a dog or cat is non-commercial. He criticised the influence of social media on the increased demand for dogs with docked ears, and a party colleague hit out at the platforms' role in publishing animal abuse. He said: 'One reason that there is such an interest in dogs with cropped ears is that a lot of influencers on Instagram and other social media platforms pose with these dogs or show they have these new dogs with cropped ears. Many people aren't aware that this is a mutilation. 'They think it's how the dogs' ears normally look, and it drives a demand for dogs that look like this.'

Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns
Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns

Leader Live

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • Leader Live

Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns

Government statistics reveal that in 2023, 320,000 pets were brought into the UK under travel pet schemes and 44,000 entered as commercial imports. RSPCA spokesman David Bowles likened the process to 'Deliveroo for dogs' and called on the Government to tighten regulations on animal rescues. He told the BBC: 'The RSPCA's major concern is these dogs are essentially ticking time bombs – coming over, not being health tested. 'Diseases are now coming in through these dogs. They're affecting not just the dogs that are being imported, they could also affect the dogs already in this country and their owners. 'They've almost set up a Deliveroo for dogs and that is a real problem.' There is no requirement for rescue organisations to be licensed in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It comes weeks after a bill that aims to stop animal smuggling and cruelty cleared the Commons with cross-party support. Legislation put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Danny Chambers will reduce the number of animals for non-commercial entry into the UK, ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months old or heavily pregnant dogs and cats, and introduce a halt on the import of dogs and cats who have been 'mutilated', including having their ears docked. The MP for Winchester's Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill was supported by the Government, and will now proceed to the House of Lords on its passage to becoming law. Dr Chambers said: 'As a vet, I've seen the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling. It's unimaginably cruel to separate puppies and kittens from their mothers at a very young age, and then bring them across borders in substandard conditions where they're then sold for maximum profit by unscrupulous traders who prioritise profit over welfare.' He added: 'Careful consideration has been given to setting these limits, balancing the need to disrupt illegal trade with minimising impact on genuine pet owners. To underpin this, only an owner, not an authorised person, will be permitted to sign and declare that the movement of a dog or cat is non-commercial. He criticised the influence of social media on the increased demand for dogs with docked ears, and a party colleague hit out at the platforms' role in publishing animal abuse. He said: 'One reason that there is such an interest in dogs with cropped ears is that a lot of influencers on Instagram and other social media platforms pose with these dogs or show they have these new dogs with cropped ears. Many people aren't aware that this is a mutilation. 'They think it's how the dogs' ears normally look, and it drives a demand for dogs that look like this.'

Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns
Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns

North Wales Chronicle

time3 days ago

  • Health
  • North Wales Chronicle

Imported dogs could carry disease or behaviour risk, RSPCA warns

Government statistics reveal that in 2023, 320,000 pets were brought into the UK under travel pet schemes and 44,000 entered as commercial imports. RSPCA spokesman David Bowles likened the process to 'Deliveroo for dogs' and called on the Government to tighten regulations on animal rescues. He told the BBC: 'The RSPCA's major concern is these dogs are essentially ticking time bombs – coming over, not being health tested. 'Diseases are now coming in through these dogs. They're affecting not just the dogs that are being imported, they could also affect the dogs already in this country and their owners. 'They've almost set up a Deliveroo for dogs and that is a real problem.' There is no requirement for rescue organisations to be licensed in England, Wales or Northern Ireland. It comes weeks after a bill that aims to stop animal smuggling and cruelty cleared the Commons with cross-party support. Legislation put forward by Liberal Democrat MP Dr Danny Chambers will reduce the number of animals for non-commercial entry into the UK, ban the import of puppies and kittens under six months old or heavily pregnant dogs and cats, and introduce a halt on the import of dogs and cats who have been 'mutilated', including having their ears docked. The MP for Winchester's Animal Welfare (Import of Dogs, Cats and Ferrets) Bill was supported by the Government, and will now proceed to the House of Lords on its passage to becoming law. Dr Chambers said: 'As a vet, I've seen the devastating consequences of puppy smuggling. It's unimaginably cruel to separate puppies and kittens from their mothers at a very young age, and then bring them across borders in substandard conditions where they're then sold for maximum profit by unscrupulous traders who prioritise profit over welfare.' He added: 'Careful consideration has been given to setting these limits, balancing the need to disrupt illegal trade with minimising impact on genuine pet owners. To underpin this, only an owner, not an authorised person, will be permitted to sign and declare that the movement of a dog or cat is non-commercial. He criticised the influence of social media on the increased demand for dogs with docked ears, and a party colleague hit out at the platforms' role in publishing animal abuse. He said: 'One reason that there is such an interest in dogs with cropped ears is that a lot of influencers on Instagram and other social media platforms pose with these dogs or show they have these new dogs with cropped ears. Many people aren't aware that this is a mutilation. 'They think it's how the dogs' ears normally look, and it drives a demand for dogs that look like this.'

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