Target: Thomas J. Vilsack, Secretary of Agriculture
Goal: Stop roadside zoo from exploiting and mistreating animals in the name of profit.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has initiated an administrative lawsuit to revoke Tonia Haddix’s Animal Welfare Act (AWA) license due to ongoing allegations of animal mistreatment and exploitation at her roadside zoo and breeding operations in Camden County, Missouri. Disturbing reports detail Haddix’s alleged long-term neglect of various animals, particularly chimpanzees acquired under questionable circumstances, raising significant concerns about her fitness to operate in accordance with animal welfare standards.
First drawing attention in 2018, Haddix acquired seven chimpanzees which, according to allegations, were initially confined in filthy conditions and exposed to their own waste. More recently, the HBO docuseries *Chimp Crazy* has intensified scrutiny into Haddix’s practices, featuring shocking footage that allegedly shows her deception toward authorities regarding the fate of a chimpanzee named Tonka. While Haddix claimed Tonka had died, evidence suggests he was instead kept isolated in a cramped cage, lacking both sunlight and social interactions. Reports suggest Tonka was overweight and lacked essential veterinary care, highlighting the serious neglect within Haddix’s operations.
This situation calls for immediate action; the allegations against Haddix’s animal care practices require a robust legal response to prevent further exploitation and suffering of vulnerable animals. The USDA must take decisive steps to ensure Haddix’s license is revoked, thereby terminating her ability to engage in any operations that violate animal welfare laws and put animals at risk.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear Secretary Vilsack,
The recent administrative lawsuit launched by the USDA against Tonia Haddix regarding her Animal Welfare Act license raises pressing concerns about the ongoing alleged mistreatment and exploitation of animals at her roadside zoo and breeding facilities. Reports of Haddix’s neglect, particularly toward chimpanzees, are not only shocking but demand immediate and effective intervention. The distressing issues raised in the HBO docuseries *Chimp Crazy* appear to expose Haddix’s misleading behaviors and disregard for the welfare of animals in her care.
Allegations indicate that Haddix has deceived authorities about the well-being of at least one chimpanzee, Tonka. While she claimed he was deceased, evidence suggests he may have been confined to a cramped basement cage, cut off from essential sunlight and social interactions. Furthermore, documents highlight the seeming lack of necessary veterinary care for Tonka, who was allegedly found to be overweight and suffering. These claims suggest a deeply troubling pattern of neglect in Haddix’s operations that must be addressed.
In light of the serious allegations against Haddix, it is imperative that the USDA act swiftly to revoke her license to operate. We urge you to take decisive action to prevent the continuation of these alleged practices and to ensure that justice is served for the animals who cannot advocate for themselves.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo credit: Pixabay
