
Cricket Hollow Zoo License Suspended
Animal Legal Defense Fund learned that the USDA has suspended the Cricket Hollow Zoo’s license to operate.
Contact: media@aldf.org
Manchester, Iowa — The Animal Legal Defense Fund has learned that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has suspended the Cricket Hollow Zoo’s license to operate. As a result of the suspension, the Cricket Hollow Zoo was forced to shutter its doors from June 15 to July 8. Late yesterday afternoon, the Animal Legal Defense Fund alerted the U.S. District Court of the suspension, which comes as the Court considers Animal Legal Defense Fund’s motion for summary judgment in its lawsuit against zoo owners Pamela and Tom Sellner for violating the Endangered Species Act.
As part of its motion, on June 1 the Animal Legal Defense Fund submitted extensive evidence to the Court of ongoing mental and physical suffering to endangered tigers, lemurs, and gray wolves exhibited at the zoo. The Animal Legal Defense Fund supported its claims with USDA inspection reports and photographs that were developed to document chronic violations of the Animal Welfare Act.
According to the Animal Welfare Act, the USDA can suspend a license to operate an animal enterprise, such as the Cricket Hollow Zoo, “in any case of actual or threatened physical harm to animals” or if Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) has reason to believe that the licensee has violated or is violating the Animal Welfare Act.
“The Cricket Hollow Zoo has repeatedly failed to demonstrate that it is capable of complying with the Animal Welfare Act and the Endangered Species Act,” Animal Legal Defense Fund’s executive director Stephen Wells said.
“USDA’s decision to suspend its license is long overdue and only serves to bolster our bid to rescue endangered animals who continue to suffer and die there.”
Related
-
Animal Legal Defense Fund Adds $5,000 to Reward in Case of Endangered Red Wolf Shooting
Reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for illegally shooting and killing a red wolf in Tyrrell County, North Carolina.May 24, 2022 Press Release -
After Images of Employee’s Injury from Animal Attack Surface – OSHA Complaint Filed Against Texas Wild Animal Dealer and Roadside Zoo Owner
Graphic images of wound are posted on Tik-Tok by an employee of Gator Park — a facility owned and operated by Jason Clay.April 7, 2022 Press Release -
Lawsuit Filed Against Tiger Creek for Violating Endangered Species Act
The lawsuit alleges federally endangered and threatened animals such as the tigers, lions, and ring-tailed lemurs are receiving inadequate care at Tiger CreekMarch 16, 2022 Press Release