Local Residents and PETA Call for Animal Seizure, Prosecution in Roadside Zoo Case

Jambbas Ranch Tours Apparently in Violation of County Code That Prohibits the Possession of Exotic Animals; Solitary Bear Suffering in Desolate Cage

For Immediate Release:
March 31, 2011

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382 

Fayetteville, N.C. — In response to numerous complaints about deplorable conditions for animals at Jambbas Ranch Tours in Fayetteville—most notably those concerning a lone bear who is confined around the clock to a tiny pen made of concrete and chain-link fencing—PETA and Fayetteville-area residents are asking Cumberland County District Attorney William West to prosecute Jambbas owner James Bass for violating Section 3-12 of the county code, which prohibits the possession of many exotic animals. Bass possesses several exotic and wild animals, including Ben, a declawed bear who has shown signs of stress and frustration as a result of spending day after day in solitary confinement, deprived of everything that's natural and important to him. PETA and local citizens are also asking West to order the immediate seizure of all animals who are being held at Jambbas in violation of the county ordinance.

 "Authorities have ignored animal suffering and disregarded the law, knowingly allowing James Bass to continue operating illegally while animals pay the price," says PETA Vice President Daphna Nachminovitch. "We look to D.A. West to exercise his authority so that these neglected animals are afforded a chance at some quality of life."

 In January, Cumberland County resident Rikki Harrison made a complaint against Bass for illegally possessing Ben as well as an alligator, a raccoon, and a fox. Bass is scheduled to appear in court on April 11. In addition to violating local law, he has been cited numerous times—most recently in February—by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act and has a history of noncompliance with requirements of the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission (NCWRC).

 For at least four years, Ben has been confined to a cage, in which he paces incessantly. After reviewing video footage of Ben, bear expert Else Poulsen opined that Ben "exhibited serious stress responses, such as relentless pacing and head swinging, likely brought on by living on a barren concrete slab that measures approximately 12 feet by 22 feet." Noting that Ben had only a ball to manipulate, Poulsen observed, "Ben suffers from serious sensory deprivation." PETA has arranged for Ben to be relocated to a sanctuary and has asked the NCWRC not to renew Bass' permits, as he does not satisfy legal requirements. The group has also posted an action alert on its popular website asking its members and supporters to contact West and urge him to prosecute the case.

For more information, please visit PETA.org or click here.