Cub Exploitation at Marquette Mall

MICHIGAN CITY – An exhibition of exotic baby animals and magic acts opened this week at Marquette Mall, despite objections from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

Mystical Magic of the Endangered arrived Wednesday at the mall. Presented by G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation, the show will continue through Sunday.

PETA said it conducted a covert investigation after learning of complaints filed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The formal complaints against G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation in Wynnewood, Okla., were for violations including failure to provide adequate care and failure to minimize safety risk to the public while handling the animals.

According to the USDA Consent Decision and Order docket, foundation owner Joe Schreibvogel was fined $25,000 and told to cease and desist from 14 violations of the Animal Welfare Act.

Schreibvogel told Marquette Mall manager Laura Tubbs that he has paid the fine and presented her with recent inspection reports.

“We certainly do background checks on any of the acts,” Tubbs said. “Their whole organization is a positive message geared toward the children, including anti-drug and not drinking and driving.”

Michigan City Planner John Pugh said the city approves of special exhibits at Marquette Mall.

“We’re not involved in it because it is considered a permitted use as part of Marquette Mall’s permanent shopping zoning,” he said about the animal exhibit. “It’s permissible, and they’re considered accessory uses such as car shows (and other) special events.”

On the Web

G.W. Exotic Animal Foundation: www.gwpark.org.

PETA campaign against wildlife attractions: wildlifepimps.com

Friday, June 29, 2007 12:36 AM CDT

BY JEAN STARR
Times Correspondent

http://nwitimes.com/articles/2007/06/29/news/porter_county/ docbba09f511851b13086257309000a977f.txt