Owner of The Farm at Walnut Creek Should Be Prosecuted After Recently Released Inspection Report Reveals Pattern of Neglect, Says Group
For Immediate Release:
March 28, 2013
Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382
Sugarcreek, Ohio -- Outraged that the most recently released U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspection report for Sugarcreek-based roadside zoo The Farm at Walnut Creek revealed that a baboon there has suffered for a long time from an ulcerated eyelid, PETA has sent an urgent letter to the Holmes County Prosecutor's Office asking that authorities confiscate the baboon and press charges against Walnut Creek owner Henry Hampton if the animal's condition remains unresolved. Records show that Hampton has repeatedly failed to provide the baboon—whose eye condition was inadequately treated for at least 17 months—with veterinary care, and PETA is concerned that the animal may still be suffering without proper medical attention. Last month's inspection marks the 10th time that the USDA has cited Walnut Creekfor failure to provide the baboon with adequate veterinary care.
"Hampton has shown a complete disregard for the animals he has left to suffer from painful medical conditions over the years," says PETA Foundation Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Delcianna Winders. "USDA citation after citation didn't compel him to get proper medical help for this baboon, so we are asking Holmes County officials to step in and ensure that this animal receives the veterinary care that he has needed for at least 17 months."
Walnut Creek was also recently cited for interfering with a USDA inspection after a representative deliberately withheld information to prevent the inspection of a llama who is suffering from patches of dry, flaky skin. Hampton, who owns another roadside zoo in North Carolina, has been repeatedly cited for failing to procure veterinary care for the animals at both of his facilities.
For more information, please visit PETA.org.