PETA Catches U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Issuing Illegal Permits

Group Files Lawsuit After Federal Agency Allows Abusive Exhibitors to Violate Endangered Species Act

For Immediate Release:
August 3, 2011

Contact:
Kristin Richards 202-483-7382

Alexandria, Va. — PETA filed a lawsuit today against the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) after learning that the agency has been issuing permits in violation of the Endangered Species Act (ESA). Specifically, PETA is challenging a permit that FWS issued to Hanover County, Va.–based Windy Oaks Farm, from which chimpanzees have escaped on at least three occasions. The facility was cited for not having a documented veterinary visit in more than a year and is under investigation by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The FWS has issued permits to Windy Oaks and other exhibitors that have been cited by the USDA for repeatedly violating the Animal Welfare Act (AWA)—without meeting four vital requirements of the ESA, including that the public have notice of permit applications, have access to the application, and have an opportunity to comment on the application.

"The Fish and Wildlife Service is doing an end run around laws meant to protect endangered animals," says general counsel to PETA Jeff Kerr. "It is catering to exhibitors who are on record for tormenting animals and, in some cases, even causing their deaths."

In what appears to be a pattern of illegal activity, the FWS has also issued permits to the following exhibitors:

• The Brights Zoo in Limestone, Tenn., which was recently cited for inadequate veterinary care, housing incompatible species together, an insufficient primate enrichment plan, and feeding animals meat that contained live maggots.
• At least seven elephants under the age of 30 have died at Riddles Wildlife Elephant Sanctuary in Greenbrier, Ark. According to a pathologist, one elephant, who was forced to sleep with all four legs chained down before being transported to Riddles, died from a heart attack caused by stress. Facility owner Scott Riddle and his assistants had attacked the animal with electric prods and a pitchfork.
• Tanganyika Wildlife Park in Goddard, Kan., was recently cited for isolating two primates in solitary confinement in a giraffe barn.

A copy of PETA's complaint is available upon request. For more information, please visit PETA.org.