The Virginia Lawyer Normal’s Workplace just lately launched warrants detailing the stunning findings from an investigation into the Pure Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County. The investigation, initiated by the Lawyer Normal’s Animal Legislation Unit in collaboration with Virginia State Police, has uncovered distressing circumstances and practices on the zoo.
The warrants, filed within the Circuit Courtroom of Rockbridge County, define expenses associated to the care of companion animals, care of agricultural animals, and cruelty to animals. The premises have been discovered to accommodate 95 dwelling animals, together with dozens of deceased animals and numerous animal physique components.
Among the many animals seized have been 12 white-faced capuchins, 15 macaws, a serval, Burmese and ball pythons, a mini donkey, and quite a few others. Tragically, a white tiger named Zeus was euthanized throughout the investigation, with zoo proprietor Debbie Mogensen asserting it was finished to finish the animal’s struggling.
Gretchen, Mogensen’s daughter and a zoo consultant, defined that Zeus had been sick and refusing to eat. A veterinarian was reportedly caring for the tiger, and the choice to euthanize was made.
The warrants don’t specify whether or not different seized animals have been already deceased or euthanized throughout the investigation. A court docket listening to is scheduled for December 20 within the Rockbridge County Normal District Courtroom.
The record of deceased animals, animal components, and property seized is intensive and features a euthanized white Bengal tiger, a deceased giraffe, servals, a guenon, a mandrill, and extra. Moreover, disturbing objects resembling giraffe tails, zebra pelt, and frozen giraffe feces have been confiscated.
A volunteer on the zoo, Lara Watson, vehemently defended the power, asserting that the animals obtain top-notch care by way of meals, water, and a spotlight. Nonetheless, critics, together with Debbie Leahy of the Humane Society of the USA, argue that justice for mistreated animals is lengthy overdue. Leahy describes Pure Bridge Zoo as a “pitiful roadside zoo” motivated by revenue on the expense of humane remedy.
This isn’t the primary time the Pure Bridge Zoo has confronted scrutiny. In 2017, the power obtained a number of violations from the USDA, together with issues in regards to the remedy of an elephant named Asha. The USDA report highlighted “appalling and archaic circumstances” on the zoo, elevating issues in regards to the well being and security dangers posed to each animals and the general public.
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This article by Trinity Sparke was first revealed by One Inexperienced Planet on 12 December 2023. Picture Credit score :Amy Sheehan/Shutterstock.
