With regards to the article “Fur flies over exotic animal bylaw”, I do not disagree that the municipality may need some type of bylaw to enforce living conditions and care placed on exotic animals.

I previously worked as an OSPCA (Ontario Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) agent in Bracebridge and an animal health technician in the area and find what is being said about the Guha farm is shocking.

I have been to the farm several times with my family and Mr. Guha has been nothing but respectful to those animals, and the utmost care is taken with regards to safety for himself, the animals and the visitors to the farm. The animals are happy, healthy and well taken care of. One incident such as this should not cause Mr. Guha to lose what he, the tourists and some residents love.

I am also an advocate for animal welfare and I find the shooting of this animal to be saddening, although I do understand why it needed to be done.

I am sure that some of these negative comments are coming from people who have not been to the farm to experience the beauty of the animals and the extraordinary relationship Mr. Guha has with all his animals.

As for the comment made by animal welfare advocates stating “council must act now to prevent further threats to public safety from Guha’s farm.” Answer this: in the last 22 years, how many bears have posed a threat and how many small animals have gone missing? We are in more danger living with bears in our backyard and cats and dogs being attacked by fishers than we are from the animals in Guha’s farm.

Sandra Tracey

Bracebridge