Report Reveals Llama and Raccoon Suffering From Untreated Disorders at Unaccredited Menagerie
For Immediate Release:
February 6, 2012
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Fayetteville, N.C. -- Following a formal complaint by PETA, a newly released U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection report shows that James Bass—owner of Fayetteville-based Jambbas Ranch Tours, a roadside zoo with an abysmal record of animal neglect—was cited for two serious violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. The inspector noted that a "thick creamy discharge" was oozing from the eye socket of a llama, who has been without a right eye for years, and that the llama appeared thin and "had a large area of what appeared to be dried diarrhea" on the animal's back legs. The second citation involved a raccoon suffered from total hair loss on his or her tail and part of his or her hindquarters. In the llama's case, the inspector noted that Jambbas either had to provide veterinary care or have the llama euthanized. Immediate veterinary care was also ordered to treat the raccoon's condition.
"Jambbas has been cited over and over again for violating federal animal welfare laws," says PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman. "This pathetic roadside menagerie has repeatedly proved that it is either unable or unwilling to provide animals with the minimal level of care mandated by law."
Other observations listed in PETA's complaint to the USDA included filthy or empty water receptacles in the dogs' quarters and an underweight camel whose ribs were protruding and who was foaming at the mouth. Bass possesses several exotic and wild animals, including Ben, a declawed, solitary bear who paces incessantly inside a barren concrete cage. Just last month, local residents filed a lawsuit on Ben's behalf to ask for custody so that Ben could be transferred to a reputable sanctuary.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.