A federal court in Michigan has slapped a temporary restraining order on K&M Pets LLC, a Saginaw-based business that sells and offers “encounters” with exotic animals. The order comes after federal officials alleged the company repeatedly blocked the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) from performing mandatory inspections of its facilities, animals, and paperwork.
The legal action, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan on Feb. 24, claims the pet store engaged in a consistent pattern of dodging its obligations under the Animal Welfare Act (AWA).
According to the complaint, K&M Pets has actively prevented the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) from doing its job.
The situation escalated following an attempted inspection in January. While the inspector was eventually turned away without being able to complete a full check, they reported seeing several animals in the public area of the store without access to water or proper shelter.
Most notably, the inspector spotted a sloth exposed to harsh Michigan winter drafts, where temperatures had plummeted to -22 degrees.
“This case shows that there are consequences for dealers and exhibitors who violate the obligations of their license and attempt to evade the Animal Welfare Act requirements that protect the health and safety of the animals in their care,” said Adam Gustafson, Deputy Principal Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division. He added that the department intends to “vigorously enforce this law and hold to account those who violate it.”
The USDA referred the case to the Department of Justice (DOJ) after growing concerned about the actual living conditions of the animals hidden from view.
The temporary restraining order is intended to grant the USDA immediate access to assess the health and well-being of all animals currently in the company’s possession.
“This action demonstrates the shared commitment of the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use all available tools to ensure the effective and expeditious enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act,” stated USDA General Counsel Tyler Clarkson.
This lawsuit aligns with a recent memorandum from Attorney General Pamela Bondi titled “Prioritization of Animal Welfare Enforcement,” which signaled a renewed federal focus on investigating animal cruelty and ensuring licensed dealers follow the law.
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