The United States Department of Agriculture has reported numerous violations of animal welfare at an animal refuge in Indiana called Wildlife in Need. Specifically, a resident bear has an unknown injury to his elbow, the tiger habitat needs better fencing, and animals have died without being autopsied. The refuge is under scrutiny since a fire, early this year, killed forty-one animals.
Clearly, injured and homeless wild animals need shelters like this one. And the people who operate the refuge probably have the best intentions. However, Wildlife in Need should make the improvements the USDA calls for. Please join me in asking the USDA to conduct regular inspections to confirm progress, support the refuge's efforts to come into compliance, and create a plan for the animals if the refuge can't get its act together. If improvements are not made, the center should be closed down.
To the USDA:
I believe that refuges like Wildlife in Need serve a valuable purpose. And there's little doubt that the people who work there have the best intentions. However, your reports of violations there exceed what is acceptable. Please help Wildlife in Need to get its services up to par. Conduct regular inspections to confirm progress, support the refuge's efforts to come into compliance, and create a plan for the animals if the refuge can't get its act together. If improvements are not made, the center should be closed down.
