Feds Raid, Sue Local Chinchilla Breeder After PETA Tip

For Immediate Release:
August 26, 2026

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Hancock County, Ohio –

A tip from PETA has prompted a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit against a Hancock County chinchilla breeder who allegedly hid hundreds of animals from federal inspectors for years while denying many of them veterinary care for painful conditions, including a metal collar embedded in the neck, eyes swollen shut with discharge, and overgrown teeth. James Franklin Ritterspach of R&R Chinchilla now faces a federal lawsuit, a temporary restraining order, and a separate ongoing criminal investigation, which PETA also prompted.

After PETA tipped off federal authorities on July 30 to a glaring discrepancy—the USDA had counted only about 331 to 367 chinchillas during years of inspections, while the December 2025 execution of a search warrant revealed that owner Ritterspach said he had about 1,200—officials took action against R&R Chinchilla. According to the lawsuit, the breeder—which sold chinchillas to laboratories for experimentation and to the pet trade—hid roughly 800 chinchillas for years in a filthy building that federal inspectors weren’t aware of. Confronted under questioning, Ritterspach acknowledged the extra animals and that “someone had told him that it would never pass inspection.” Between August 5 and August 11, the USDA cited him for 24 alleged violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act, including denying veterinary care to 33 chinchillas, and suspended R&R Chinchilla’s license on August 14. A judge issued a temporary restraining order against Ritterspach and his business on August 21, and a hearing is set for September 4 in Toledo.

According to the local prosecuting office, the criminal investigation PETA prompted remains open, meaning Ritterspach could still face cruelty charges under Ohio law on top of the federal consequences.

*A chinchilla at a similar breeding operation—now closed—with eyes matted shut with discharge, like those the feds found at R&R Chinchilla. Credit: PETA*

“Chinchillas at this hellhole were caged in filth for years, denied care for painful conditions, and hidden from the inspectors meant to protect them,” says PETA Vice President Daniel Paden. “PETA is calling on the DOJ to ensure every last animal is removed from this breeder’s custody, and we urge everyone never to buy animals from pet stores or breeders.”

PETA—whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to abuse in any way”—points out that Every Animal Is Someone and offers free Empathy Kits for people who need a lesson in kindness. For more information, please visit PETA.org or follow PETA on X, Facebook, or Instagram.