Leeroys lizard lounge suing the Media (warrington Guardian, telegraph media group,liverpool ECHO) (June 26, 2012)
As some of you may be aware there has been a story in the media regarding the illegal keeping of DWA animals cobras rattle snakes etc also illegal drugs... also the arrest of a 33year old man from another reptile shop in WIDNES...
Just to clear the air and any set anyone straight that may not know or have dealt with us at Leeroys Lizard Lounge before... I Leeroy is not the 33year old man being investigated and we have not been involved with any illegal activity...The media have implicated our shop name in there stories misleading the public to believe that we at leeroys lizard lounge have been raided/searched business is completely as normal, and we were in fact working with the police and local councils in containing the DWA species untill we were no longer required to keep them.
we have received apologies from the media (the warrington guardian, the telegraph media group and liverpool ECHO at this stage) however we are NOT accepting there apologies as we are suing them for liable damages also defamation of character.. The media have wrongly reported on this story and we dont not accept there apologies...
Business is completely as normal and want to stress that if we were part of anything illegal all our venomous would have been taken as would of our shop license this in its self shows the media stories to be misleading and untrue, as anyone knows we deal massively in venomous reptiles and non venomous species and have a fantastic business and shop anyone that knows us will agree we have one of the best shops in the country anyone that doesn't know us find out for youself........
Below is our solicitor statement as we have started legal proceedings against the media for liable damages also defamation of character...as we have further updates we will be posting on FACEBOOK like our page to keep up to date...
leeroy and Amy
ALBINSON NAPIER & CO
There have been some reports in the press which has implied
that Leeroys Lizard Lounge has in some way been connected with the alleged illegal activities of
another reptile dealer.
Leeroys Lizard Lounge’s involvement in this matter has been
limited to housing 5 snakes for a period of less than 1 month. Those snakes
were kept perfectly healthy whilst in our care. Leeroys Lizard Lounge have
co-operated with and assisted Police and Local Authority investigations fully.
Both police and Local Authority are satisfied that Leeroys Lizard Lounge have
acted at all times honestly, legally and with the best animal welfare
intentions.
Leeroys Lizard Lounge is not involved in any way that the
other reptile dealers alleged other illegal activities not involved in anyway
with alleged neglect of animals in that other person care.
Link to police clarification letter
Link to Telegraph apology.
-------------------------ooooo------------------------------------------
Letter to the telegraph.
As you are aware the Telegraph has printed an article
implying that my business has been linked to and indeed owned by a person who
is facing a criminal investigation into both animal cruelty and the growing of
illegal drugs.
The telegraph appears to have accepted that this is
incorrect and I thank you for making amendment to the article on your website.
I believe however that the paper article was circulated without amendment. I
note that the
new york
times appear to have reprinted your article.
My business has suffered serious reputation damage as a
result of this article. I have been bombarded with questions and suspicions
from both family members and customers. My busies’ core market is children and
families. I attend children’s parties and visit and host schools.
I understand that you have offered to try to make amends.
Firstly I ask that the telegraph publish on line and in
paper form in a similar position to the main article a full retraction and
apology aimed at my business. I would suggest that the wording make is clear
that neither I nor my business have been involved in the types of activities
which are allege to have taken place. Please can you send me a draft retraction
and apology.
Secondly I am looking at this stage that you accept
liability for libelling me. I cannot at this stage quantify the damage to my
business but if you are prepared to accept liability then perhaps we can agree
upon a suitable figure for compensation over the next few months.
Please can I have a response within 12 hours.
-------------------------------------ooooo---------------------------------------------------------
thanks for all the support Click here to return to the News page
|
