Animal violations

An inspection report by the U.S Department of Agriculture on the Barry R. Kirshner Wildlife Foundation from last month lists a number of violations. The report comes in the wake of complaints by former foundation volunteers who said the Butte Valley sanctuary was abusive to creatures living there. The People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals contacted the Department of Agriculture, triggering the investigation.

The report’s findings note that the facility has a 7-year-old tiger named Dana with a reoccurring eye problem, no written program of veterinary care, a “grossly obese” bobcat named Ranger, and a 5-year-old lynx named Nasha who appeared to have painful limbs.

The report also said bears were being fed moldy fruit and Cheez-Its, lacked access to clean water, and there is no veterinarian-approved feeding plan for the animals. Kirshner representatives deny the animals are mistreated and claim there are veterinary records. There are no recommendations for closure.