Sacramento, CA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) has filed two complaints with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) documenting various violations of federal law by two Ohio tourist attractions: Tiger Ridge Exotics in Perrysburg and the Siberian Tiger Conservation Association in Gambier. The documentation submitted by API includes video footage from a recent investigation into the issue of unregulated private ownership of dangerous exotic animals in Ohio.
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The investigation documented numerous violations of federal law including:
- Allowing the public to have direct contact with dangerous wild animals including tigers and lynxes
- The Siberian Tiger Conservation Association, whose license was revoked by the USDA more than five years ago, still operating and endangering members of the public by allowing ”close encounters” where visitors were allowed direct, prolonged and unrestrained contact with tigers
- Animals confined or displayed with inadequate and unsafe barriers; staff endangering public safety by improperly closing/securing enclosure gates leading directly to public areas
- Facilities failing to provide proper upkeep of pens and caging of dangerous animals
The USDA oversees the federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA), which extends minimal protection to dangerous exotic animals who are exhibited to the public, bred for commercial sale, used in research or transported commercially. The AWA has established several regulations that govern safety measures, proper handling and basic care and treatment standards.
“We have provided clear, documented evidence that these facilities are breaking the law and endangering the public. The USDA must act immediately on the findings from this investigation,” says Michelle Thew, Chief Executive Officer of API.
Ohio is one of only 13 states with no laws prohibiting the private possession of exotic animals such as cougars, tigers, bears, primates and dangerous reptiles.
“At least 20 serious injuries and deaths caused by privately-owned exotic animals have been reported in the U.S. in the last year alone,” Thew continues. “The owners of these facilities are playing roulette with people’s lives. The USDA must act on these complaints before another tragedy happens.”
API is a national nonprofit animal advocacy organization working to end animal cruelty and exploitation through legislation, litigation and public education. API also manages a Primate Sanctuary that is currently home to more than 400 primates, many of whom were rescued from abusive or exploitative private ownership situations. For more information, visit www.api4animals.org.
Additional b-roll footage of investigation details is available by request at 916-447-3085 x205.
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Contact:
Zibby Wilder
Animal Protection Institute (API)
916-447-3085 x205