Baker, 54, the caregiver of the animals was cited with 10 animal cruelty charges and permit violations. Baker was also taken into custody for disorderly conduct and drug related charges. The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office deputies started investigating Baker back in March of this year.
Authorities seized one tiger, two mountain lions, three bobcats, two lynx, one serval and two skunks from Baker’s property.
Although the animals weren’t malnourished, Sheriff Jack Laurie stated, they were filthy, covered in mud, muck and everything else.” “The feces hadn’t been cleaned out in a long time.”
“The land also was covered with deer, cow carcasses, and trash,” Laurie continued.
According to a release some of the 10 citations given to Baker included, failure to comply with United State Department of Agriculture and city ordinances relating to enclosures and exotic animal licensure and failure to possess wildlife, fur harvester and game breeder permits.
Baker is cooperating with authorities and has released all the animals from the site to rescue organizations.
The sheriff’s office with the help of the Humane Society of the United States has located the animals to sanctuaries outside the area. The Kansas City Zoo and Big Cat Rescue have also assisted in the seizure.
“The case highlights the need for Kansas to develop stronger laws to ensure dangerous wild animals are kept at accredited zoos and sanctuaries,” stated Midge Grinstead, the Kansas state director for the
Humane Society.
(Examiner - May 8, 2013)
