More than 100 animals — alive and dead — were taken from a roadside zoo in western Virginia, according to court documents, as part of what state authorities are calling a criminal investigation.
A search warrant executed Wednesday at the Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County showed that 89 live animals were seized, while another 28 dead animals were removed, The Roanoke Times reported.
Attorney General Jason Miyares’ office is conducting the investigation, with assistance from the Virginia State Police.
About 100 exotic animals were taken from a zoo in Virginia, according to court documents. WSLS-TV A big cat is one of many animals held at the zoo. Facebook / Natural Bridge Zoo
The warrant said it was issued in connection with care and cruelty to animals.
“The attorney general’s Animal Law Unit offers support and prosecution of animal cruelty cases at the request of local Commonwealth’s Attorneys or law enforcement agencies,” Miyares spokeswoman Victoria LaCivita said in an email on Friday. “As this is an ongoing criminal investigation, we cannot comment further.”
LaCivita confirmed that one of the dead animals taken was a tiger that had to be euthanized with the owner’s consent to humanely end its suffering.
A search warrant executed at the Natural Bridge Zoo in Rockbridge County showed that 89 live animals were seized, while another 28 dead animals were removed, The Roanoke Times reported. Facebook / Natural Bridge Zoo An elephant is seen at a roadside zoo. Facebook / Natural Bridge Zoo
Other live animals taken off included lemurs, macaws, pythons and llamas, according to the warrant, which was filed Friday in the county’s circuit court.
Many crates and animal carriers are brought into the zoo.
A phone call to Natural Zoo Bridge was not returned Saturday, and there was no immediate response to an email seeking comment.
Other animals taken off include llamas, lemurs, macaws and pythons, according to the warrant. Sincerely Lara Watson
The zoo has already closed for the winter.
Mario Williams, an attorney for the zoo’s owners, questioned the investigation, telling WDBJ-TV earlier in the week that the zoo would seek to stop any permanent confiscation of the animals, which he said would be unconstitutional.
Categories: Trending
Source: thtrangdai.edu.vn/en/
