Calling DEW Haven zoo a “sanctuary” is absurd (“Reptile enthusiasts, animal rights activists turn out for hearing on new state rules,” June 7).

DEW Haven has repeatedly failed to meet the bare minimal requirements of the federal Animal Welfare Act. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has cited DEW for keeping a lion cub and a tiger cub in cages so small they could barely move around, for housing a sheep with no shelter, for feeding primates expired chow, for failing to provide veterinary care to a goat with overgrown hooves, and for putting the public at risk by allowing people to pet a juvenile tiger and not having any barrier between the animal and people. Although it’s rare for the USDA to impose punitive rulings, DEW has been fined twice for non-compliances of the AWA, an indicator of animal care that is seriously negligent.

Legislators must stand up to exotic animal collectors who put animals and the public at risk. Authorities owe it to their constituents to prevent people from keeping exotic animals, not only to protect the animals, but to protect public health, our ecosystems and taxpayers’ wallets.

Jennifer O’Connor

senior writer

PETA Foundation

Norfolk, Virginia