The web site, called “SplotchWatch,” has been under surveillance “for a few months now,” according to Chief Inspector Maurice Addax of The Park Police Force’s Specist and Hate Crimes Unit (SHCU).
“Its only purpose, as far as we can tell, is to name Animals who have had their spots or stripes removed,” he says. “It’s a dangerous sign of the times.”
The owner and operator of the site, whose name police will not reveal at this time, believes it is in the interest of “openness and honesty” to let Park Animals know who among them has altered their appearance.
“The owner of the site seems to believe that there is something intrinsically dishonest about that [stripe or spot removal] and his mission is to ensure that all Park Animals are made aware of this form of deception,” Addax says.
Police will continue to watch activity on the site and assess the effect it may or may not be having on Park life.
“If we see that the site is inducing hatred or violence toward any Animal or group of Animals, we will move in swiftly,” he says.
Otherwise, the operator of the web site is acting within his rights.
“He [the site’s owner] is walking a fine line here,” says Addax. “And we hope he realizes it.”
