California City, California – An adult Kodiak bear named Tag is being used as a political publicity stunt by a businessman who is campaigning to be the governor of California. Republican gubernatorial candidate John Cox (R-San Diego) is dragging the bear along on his six-city bus tour and the exploitation is unacceptable, and possibly a violation of the California Code of Regulations, Title 14, Section 671.2, which prohibits wild animals from having direct contact with the public.
We are petitioning John Cox to stop exploiting this bear, and we are asking for the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to investigate Steve Martin dba Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife for possible violations of the California Code of Regulations. Please add your name to the petition today – there is no reason for this bear to be exploited!
John Cox is using the 1,000 pound bear to promote himself as the “Beast John Cox,” who is attempting to oust “the beauty” Governor Gavin Newsom. The shameful stunt has raised the ire of animal rights groups, and animal lovers as a whole.
PETA Tweeted:
It’s unfortunate and shameful that Tag the Kodiak bear has been exploited in this way. Bears need to be left alone, not confined to a pen on asphalt and wheeled out for events. PETA urges anyone with an ounce of decency to keep wild animals out of their publicity stunts.
We want John Cox to stop dragging Tag the bear to his campaign events, and we want the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to investigate exhibitor Steve Martin’s Working Wildlife for apparent violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA). Please add your name to the petition today – this shameful exploitation of a wild animal must come to an end!
Please note – Animal Victory, regardless of political affiliation, will always expose what we deem to be animal cruelty or exploitation.
Petition Letter to the California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Petition letter to John Cox Campaign
News:
Animal-Protection-Laws-of-California-2020-Animal-Legal-Defense-Fund
Individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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