Exotic Animal Park Allows Kids to Play with Tigers

Animal Welfare, Petitions ? By Kristin Harkness on May 25, 2012 2:00 am

Target: David Sacks, spokesman for the United States Department of Agriculture

Goal: Shut down GW Exotic Animal Park, which allows visitors to come in contact with exotic cats, and has multiple animal welfare violations.

A 2011 undercover investigation by the Humane Society of the United States into an exotic animal park in Oklahoma revealed children coming in contact with exotic cats and several instances of biting and scratching. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has already conducted four investigations of the park and its owner for violations of the Animal Welfare Act. GW Exotic Animal Park must be shut down to protect the welfare of the animals, as well as the safety of the public.

The investigation, conducted in the summer and fall of 2011, revealed unwarranted breeding, tiger deaths and dangerous situations involving paying customers and their children. With around 200 tigers and other big cats, GW Exotics could have more exotic animals than any roadside zoo in the nation.

At least five tigers died during the course of the investigation. The USDA is currently investigating the death of 23 tigers at the Oklahoma park in 2009 and 2010. In 2006, Joe Schreibvogel, owner of the park, was fined $25,000 and had his exhibitor?s license suspended for two weeks for welfare-related issues. It is clear that he is not willing or able to comply with basic welfare standards.

After the tragedy in Zanesville, Ohio that resulted in the death of 35 big cats, we cannot risk another incident. Tigers are wild animals that are not fit to be held in private captivity. Urge the USDA to shut down GW Exotics immediately.

PETITION LETTER:

Dear Mr. Sacks,

The Humane Society of the United States recently revealed the results of its undercover investigation into GW Exotic Animal Park. At least five tigers died during the investigation, and the investigator found unwarranted breeding, as well as dangerous incidents where tigers bit or scratched visitors. This irresponsible operation cannot continue to exist.

You are currently investigating GW Exotics for the death of 23 tigers in 2009 and 2010. This is the fourth investigation the park has faced. Enough is enough.

We cannot risk another tragedy such as the one in Zanesville Ohio. Please protect the welfare of the tigers and the safety of the public by shutting down GW Exotics immediately.

Sincerely,

[Your Name Here]

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