Clearwater Festival Pulls the Plug on Cruel Monkey Display

January 2009

PETA received calls from concerned Clearwater, Florida, residents about an exhibitor named Philip Dolci who forced a chained capuchin monkey to perform in photo opportunities during the nightly Sunsets at Pier 60 Festival. We immediately contacted the organizers to let them know that the chaotic atmosphere of a festival is no place for an exotic animal. We provided organizers with information about Dolci’s appalling history of animal mistreatment and repeated violations of the Animal Welfare Act. The organizers asked Dolci to leave the festival!