Ricki the Bear Caged at Pennsylvania Ice Cream Shop
Bennett v. Mcdaniel
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed suit against Jim Mack’s Ice Cream Shop in 2014, arguing that the poor conditions under which a bear named Ricki was kept violated Pennsylvania regulations requiring the humane care and treatment of wild animals.
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For 16 years, Ricki, a black bear, lived alone in a small, concrete enclosure outside of an ice cream shop in Pennsylvania. At Jim Mack’s Ice Cream Shop, Ricki was not only deprived a comfortable habitat but also nutritious food – she was fed corn and dog food. Veterinary experts warned that Ricky was suffering a “slow and torturous decline in physical and mental health” in these conditions.
The Animal Legal Defense Fund filed suit in 2014, arguing that the conditions under which Ricki was kept violated state regulations requiring the humane care and treatment of wild animals. The suit also alleged that Ricki’s poor living conditions posed a public safety threat.
In 2015, Ricki’s owners settled the suit by agreeing to allow Ricki to go to a sanctuary. At the Wild Animal Sanctuary in Colorado, Ricki has 15 acres of rolling grassland to live in, and the company of other bears. She’s also become a local celebrity.
In 2017, the defendant violated the settlement agreement by acquiring additional animals. Due to this violation and noncompliance with Pennsylvania animal cruelty laws, the Animal Legal Defense Fund threatened to sue. This led to a second settlement agreement, leading to the rescue of the additional 25 animals on the property, including two alpacas, a llama, two emus, ducks, goats, a goose, rabbits, and peacocks. These animals were relocated to sanctuary and rescue groups within Pennsylvania.
A llama and two alpacas prepare for transport from Jim Mack's Ice Cream Shop to Chenoa Manor sanctuary.
Volunteers helped coral the llama and alpacas into a transport trailer. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Two adult rabbits and five newborn baby bunnies were rescued. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Two adult rabbits and five newborn baby bunnies were rescued. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Five newborn baby bunnies were rescued. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Volunteers coral two emus into a transport trailer. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Volunteers coral two emus into a transport trailer. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Volunteers coral two emus into a transport trailer. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Volunteers helped with transporting the animals to sanctuaries and rescue groups. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Peacocks were rescued. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
The llama and two alpacas in their new home. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
The llama and two alpacas in their new home. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Two emus meet a new friend at their new home at Chenua Manor. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Two emus in their new home. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
A llama and two alpacas are unloaded at their new sanctuary home. (Photo credit: Jason Putsche)
Say No to Roadside Zoos
Bears, lions, and other animals languish in roadside zoos across the country. Animals live in cruel conditions, confined to small cages without the enrichment they need to lead full, happy lives. Protect animals by boycotting roadside zoos.
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