(BROWN CITY) — The most recent federal inspection of the Summer Wind Farms Sanctuary in Brown City found unsanitary enclosures and a lack of adequate veterinary care for the animals at the facility. The violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act bring this year’s total to 49 citations. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s November 18th inspection report, a cougar was found with skin lesions that no one at the facility had noticed. The report also said that enclosures housing bears were littered with feces and rotting food, which had attracted rats and one enclosure contained a dirty pool filled with stagnant green water and algae. PETA has filed a lawsuit against the USDA for renewing Summer Wind Farms’ exhibitor’s license despite extensive and repeated violations. According to PETA, the facility had 98 violations in 2014. A recent USDA inspection report obtained by WMIC WTGV News from the owners of Summer Wind Farms indicated that an inspection conducted on December 8th at the facility focusing on the condition of the big cats turned up no violations. The report also said that the cougar cited on the last inspection had been evaluated by the attending veterinarian. The 140-acre sanctuary cares for several tigers, bears, monkeys and alpaca. The animals were once pets, mascots, or movie extras.
