USDA Busts Minnesota Exotic Animal Dealers

July 2003

PETA learned that a Minnesota couple was selling big cats and bears through a publication that peddles animals to private owners, breeders, dealers, and trophy hunters. When we determined that the couple was not properly licensed with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to sell regulated animals, we sent a formal complaint to the agency asking for an investigation. The USDA confirmed that the couple was selling the animals illegally, issued an “Official Warning of Violation of Federal Regulations,” and mandated that they immediately stop selling regulated animals.