Arbuckle Wilderness License Suspended By USDA Over Animal Welfare Allegations
- mike33692
- 5 hours ago
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Arbuckle Wilderness License Suspended By USDA Over Animal Welfare Allegations
One of Oklahoma's best-known drive-through wildlife parks has temporarily lost its federal operating license. The Arbuckle Wilderness license suspended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) follows allegations that the Davis animal park violated multiple provisions of the Animal Welfare Act.
According to the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), the agency has ordered a 21-day suspension of the park's federal exhibitor license. During that time, the facility is prohibited from buying, selling, transporting, exhibiting, or delivering regulated animals unless the suspension is lifted.
Federal officials say the action stems from inspections conducted earlier this year. The allegations have not been adjudicated, and the facility has the right to appeal the suspension.
Arbuckle Wilderness License Suspended Following Multiple USDA Inspections
The Arbuckle Wilderness license suspended notice cites alleged violations documented during inspections on January 28, April 27, and June 15.
According to the USDA, inspectors identified several areas where the facility allegedly failed to meet federal animal care standards established under the Animal Welfare Act.
The agency's notice alleges deficiencies involving:
Daily observation of animals to monitor their health and well-being.
Maintaining structurally sound animal enclosures.
Operating an effective pest control program.
Protecting animals from extreme weather conditions.
Providing diets appropriate for each animal's species, age, and condition.
Maintaining bird enclosures in proper repair.
Additional information about federal animal welfare standards is available through the USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service.
Federal Suspension Limits Animal Operations
Under the USDA order, the suspension became effective upon receipt of the notice.
While the suspension remains in place, Arbuckle Adventures is prohibited from conducting activities involving regulated animals, including buying, selling, transporting, exhibiting, or delivering animals covered under its federal license.
The Animal Welfare Act establishes minimum standards for the care, handling, transportation, and housing of certain animals exhibited to the public.
USDA officials say additional enforcement actions could be taken if the suspension order is violated.
Park May Appeal The Suspension
The facility has the opportunity to challenge the USDA's action.
According to the suspension notice, Arbuckle Adventures may submit a written request for reinstatement to the USDA's Deputy Administrator before the 21-day suspension expires.
The agency will determine whether reinstatement is appropriate after reviewing the appeal and any corrective actions taken by the facility.
At this time, the USDA has not announced any additional enforcement action beyond the temporary suspension.
Additional federal enforcement information is available through the USDA Enforcement Actions.
As the review process continues, the Arbuckle Wilderness license suspended action highlights the federal government's role in enforcing animal welfare standards at licensed animal exhibition facilities across the country.
Source:Â KWTV News 9