USDA Says That Underweight Tiger Cub Was Denied Adequate Veterinary Care
For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Cherokee, N.C. -- A just-released U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection report for the Cherokee Bear Zoo reveals that the facility has once again been cited for violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act.
During the agency's January 5 inspection of the facility, the Cherokee Bear Zoo was cited for failing to provide adequate veterinary care to a 3- to 4-month-old tiger cub who had not been vaccinated, putting the animal at risk of contracting potentially fatal diseases.
Cherokee Bear Zoo acquired the cub when he was just 3 1/2 to 4 weeks old and fed him only milk replacer and no supplements. The USDA cited the zoo for failing to feed the cub an adequate, veterinarian-approved diet, noting that the cub's inadequate diet could lead to nutritional deficiencies and affect the animal's health and well-being. Already, the cub is small and underweight for his age and his coat appears dull, dry, and brittle, according to the agency's filing.
PETA has long complained about the antiquated, barren pits at the Cherokee Bear Zoo as well as the zoo's failure to provide bears with proper exercise, social interaction, and the opportunity to hibernate. The zoo has been cited previously by the USDA for numerous violations, including failure to provide adequate veterinary care, improper feeding and watering, and filthy, unsanitary conditions.
"It's inexcusable that this cruel pit remains licensed when it repeatedly violates the most basic provisions of the laws designed to protect animals," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "The USDA has ample reason to revoke the Cherokee Bear Zoo's license and should do so immediately."
Renowned game show host and animal rights activist Bob Barker has been active in PETA's campaign to close Cherokee's bear pits. In 2009, Barker met with Michell Hicks, principal chief of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, and urged him to close the pits and surrender the bears to a sanctuary.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.