WDAM - Channel 7 - Serving Hattiesburg, Laurel and the Pine BeltCollins Zoo responds to Humane Society complaints

Collins Zoo responds to Humane Society complaints

COLLINS, MS (WDAM) - Collins Zoo workers said Monday a complaint filed against them by the Humane Society of the United States is inappropriate, and they are defending the facility.

After conducting a 28-day undercover investigation at the Collins Zoo, The HSUS filed the complaint against the zoo with the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks alleging significant welfare and safety violations of state laws which governs the possession of wild animals considered inherently dangerous to humans.

"It's very sad to me to see these animals living in these conditions and suffering this way," said Humane Society Animal Cruelty Director Adam Parascandola. "A number of the larger cats in particular the cougars and the lion appear to be very underweight"

From enclosures not meeting law requirements and deprived living conditions, Parascandola said the State Department needs to intervene, and soon.

Tammy Daley, a volunteer at the zoo for 20 years, said the complaint is misguided. She added, the animals are well cared for, and many of them were pets others were unable to raise.

"It makes me outraged I can tell you because, you know, somebody is trying to actually do something good and they get criticized for it," said Daley.

The owners of the zoo, Gus and Betty declined an opportunity to speak about the issue saying they were limited by ongoing litigation.

Daley said a veterinarian comes in once a week to assess the animals, and since the zoo operates as a non-profit, it can only make improvements when money is available.

"This is a good, humane thing that they're doing here, and people really need to know that side of it," said Daley

The HUSA complaint not only targets animal welfare, but public safety as well, pointing out a small wooden fence as the only barrier to an animals enclosure.

"Some of the caging is really worn down over the years, bowing out in places, and there definitely is a concern that if those issues aren't addressed, one of these big cats or other dangerous animals could escape," said Parascandola.

"They're doing this because they love animals," countered Daley. "They're doing it out of the goodness of their heart, and they're getting criticized for it, and I can't understand that."

A Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks spokesman said the department plans to make sure the zoo is in compliance or it will be shut down.

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