Press Releases
Minnesota Woman Mauled to Death by Pet Tiger
Tragic situation highlights the dangers of wild animals kept as “pets”; supports findings from API national investigation
Sacramento, CA — A USDA-licensed exotic animal breeder from Minnesota was found mauled to death by a “pet” Bengal tiger last night. A man hired to work on the woman’s property found her body in the tiger’s cage. Authorities could not access the woman due to the tiger’s reportedly aggressive behavior, so the tiger was killed.
Investigation Exposes Public Safety and Animal Welfare Issues at North Carolina Tourist Attractions; Complaints Filed with USDA
Sacramento, CA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) has filed four complaints with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) documenting various violations of federal law by four North Carolina tourist attractions: Santa’s Land in Cherokee, Cherokee Bear Zoo in Cherokee, Charlotte Metro Zoo in Charlotte, and New River Zoo in Fleetwood. The documentation submitted by API includes video footage from a recent investigation into the issue of unregulated private ownership of dangerous exotic animals in North Carolina.
Investigation Exposes Public Safety and Animal Welfare Issues at Ohio Tourist Attractions; Complaints Filed with USDA
Sacramento, CA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) has filed two complaints with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) documenting various violations of federal law by two Ohio tourist attractions: Tiger Ridge Exotics in Perrysburg and the Siberian Tiger Conservation Association in Gambier. The documentation submitted by API includes video footage from a recent investigation into the issue of unregulated private ownership of dangerous exotic animals in Ohio.
Investigation Exposes Public Safety and Animal Welfare Issues at Washington State Tourist Attractions; Complaints Filed with USDA
Sacramento, CA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) has filed two complaints with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) documenting various violations of federal law by two USDA-licensed Washington State tourist attractions: the Olympic Game Farm in Sequim and Outback Kangaroo Farm in Arlington. The documentation submitted by API includes video footage from a recent investigation into the issue of unregulated private ownership of dangerous exotic animals in Washington State.
Investigation Footage Exposes USDA Enforcement Inadequacies
Group files eight complaints against USDA-licensed facilities for public safety violations
Sacramento, CA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) today filed eight complaints with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) documenting various violations of federal law by USDA-licensed and inspected facilities that display, keep, and/or breed dangerous exotic animals. The documentation submitted by API includes video footage and still photos from a recent nationwide investigation into the largely unregulated private ownership of dangerous exotic animals in the U.S.
National Group Names Washington One of Worst States for Dangerous Exotic “Pets”
Despite proof from groundbreaking investigation, and broad public support, Senate stalls on critical bill to protect public safety and animal welfare
Seattle, WA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) today named Washington state one of the worst states in the nation for dangerous exotic animals in private hands. The Washington state legislature has again allowed important legislation protecting public safety and animal welfare lapse by allowing HB 1151, the “Dangerous Wild Animal Bill,” to die on the floor without a final vote. This bill has been before the legislature for the past six years. Washington is one of only 13 states with no laws prohibiting the private possession of exotic animals such as cougars, tigers, bears, primates and dangerous reptiles.
Southampton Town Council Unanimously Passes Ordinance Banning Body-Gripping Traps on Town Lands
Death of beloved dog caught in cruel trap spurs action throughout New York
Southampton, NY — Animal advocates praised the Southampton Town Council today for unanimously adopting an ordinance prohibiting the use of Conibear kill traps on all town lands. The new law will be called “Zephyr’s Law.”
Dangerous Exotic “Pets” Can’t Escape National Spotlight
New investigation documents brazen disregard for animal care, public safety, and the law
Sacramento, CA — The Animal Protection Institute (API) today released the results of an extensive investigation into the largely unregulated private ownership of exotic wild animals kept as “pets” or used as “attractions” at roadside zoos and menageries. The video footage and accompanying report are the most thorough on record and expose disturbing evidence of a lack of concern for public safety and animal welfare by both private owners and federally-licensed facilities across the nation. Major findings included:
