• About BCR
  • News
  • News @ BCR
  • Rescues
  • Issues
  • Cat Laws
Saturday, May 21, 2022
  • Login
  • Register
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
  • Get Involved
  • Cub Facts
  • The Sanctuary Cats
  • FAQs
  • Contact Us
  • Shop
  • Videos
  • Donate
No Result
View All Result
Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
Home News World

Judge rules Wisc. big cat facility violated ordinances

Carole by BCR
May 19, 2007
in News World
0 0
0
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on TwitterShare via Email

By Brian D. Bridgeford
News Republic

Though big cat advocate Jeff Kozlowski is building a new home for his animals, he is not out of the woods over an old case, a judge ruled last week.

In a ruling filed last week, Sauk County Judge James Evenson rules against Kozlowski and his Big Dad’s Big Cat Rescue and Educational Center located on Highway 136, east of Rock Springs.

Kozlowksi began his cat rescue activities with four lions and tigers at his home on Highway 12 near Prairie du Sac. He was trying to win a permit under Sauk County’s large animal ordinance when he moved to the Rock Springs location in late 2005 and eventually ended up with 16 tigers, six lions and two leopards which have been abused or abandoned. The refuge is likely their last chance of survival because of the shortage of space in other refuges, Kozlowski says.

After the rapid expansion in the number of cats and the move to Rock Springs neighbors began complaining about noise, traffic and the possible safety risks.

Sauk County officials determined Kozlowski violated zoning ordinances with the location of his sanctuary and the county Public Health Board issued abatement orders in April and July of 2006 demanding he remove the animals. Kozlowski did not comply. So, in September the county filed a civil forfeiture action against him in Sauk County Court.

In ruling for the county, Evenson confirms Kozlowski violated county zoning rules and the large animal ordinance and that the refuge constitutes a public health nuisance. He rejects arguments made by Kozlowski’s attorney that the educational mission of the center justifies its operation.

“The animals remain in Sauk County in violation of zoning and health ordinances,” Evenson wrote. “Kozlowski was ordered to abate and failed to do so.”

The county has already reached a plea agreement with his landlords, David and Joy Carroll. As part of their settlement they have filed an eviction action against Kozlowski which is set for trial in September.

Kozlowski’s companion, Jennifer Meyer, has no control over the big cats, Evenson ruled, so she cannot be penalized for her involvement in caring for them.

The judge’s ruling does not specify any fine or other penalty for Kozlowski or the non-profit organization that operates the refuge.

Sauk County Corporation Counsel Todd Liebman would not comment on what penalties or remedy he would argue for, other than saying he will seek fines against Kozlowski.

A primary concern for the county is to end the violation of county ordinances by getting the big cats out of their present location, he said. And county officials want that to happen as soon as the court is willing to let it.

“Where the cats go outside of the county’s jurisdiction is not the major concern,” he said. “The major concern is to get them out of our regulatory jurisdiction. Our patience is completely worn thin,” Liebman said.

Kozlowski’s attorney, Jeff Scott Olson of Madison, says he expects the parties will schedule a hearing to argue what fines or other remedies are appropriate. He hopes the issue will be made largely moot when Kozlowski finishes construction of a new refuge and moves his 24 cats into Rock Springs.

“Steps that need to be taken to move the cats out of the county’s jurisdiction and into their new home in the village of Rock Springs are well underway,” he said. “Construction is well underway at the new facility.

“We’re hoping that the court does not impose any remedy that imposes unnecessary destruction on the cats or their operation,” Olson said.

The judge can’t order something like the destruction of the cats, he said, because it is the location of the refuge which is in violation of ordinances, not the animals themselves.

Olson said he can’t comment on whether they will appeal the ruling to a higher court until the court orders a remedy.

Kozlowski would not comment on the case Wednesday afternoon.

“I’ll have to talk to my attorney, obviously we’re going to meet,” he said. “It’s up to my attorney.”

Workers will likely begin this morning and continue Friday pounding 22-foot-high steel posts into the ground to build the pens for housing the big cats, Kozlowski said. The welded steel mesh which forms the sides of the enclosures will be 15 feet high, he said.

Kozlowski said his first step will be to finish building the sanctuary in the next several weeks, then have it inspected by the village and federal Department of Agriculture. He will move the cats into their new homes before he finishes agreements with the village about how to open the center to the public.

Kozlowski said he hopes to have all the agreements worked out and the sanctuary open for public viewing in July.

“Our priority is to get the cats moved from where they are to a place where they’re not violating an ordinance,” Kozlowski said.

http://www.wiscnews.com/bnr/news/134715


Tags: News World
Previous Post

Unaccredited zoo at Indiana mall on probation for failure to comply with Animal Welfare Act

Next Post

Unaccredited zoo at Illinois mall on probation for failure to comply with Animal Welfare Act

Carole

BCR

Big Cat Rescue is Caring for Cats and Ending the Trade

Related Posts

News World

Enrichment Program @ BIG CAT RESCUE!

May 7, 2022
72
Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down
News World

Zanesville Massacre 18 tigers 17 lions 3 cougars gunned down

October 20, 2021
9k
Vanessa Hudgens Shame
Cat Laws

Cub Petting Shame

September 12, 2021
5.9k
Snow Leopard
News @ BCR

Save Snow Leopards

April 17, 2021
4.5k
Be Safe Out There!
How To Start A Sanctuary

Rules

March 31, 2020
530
Next Post

Unaccredited zoo at Illinois mall on probation for failure to comply with Animal Welfare Act

Leave a Reply

  • Default Comments (0)
  • Facebook Comments

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Help Feed Big Cats

One of the best ways to help is through general donations that can be used however it is most needed at the time.To make a general donation just click the Donate Now button below.  This is the best way to give as it has the lowest credit card processing fees and is immediate help for the cats.

Give to Big Cat Rescue

If you prefer to donate via Pay Pal, please use this link: Pay Pal

Recent Articles

  • Film May 9, 2022
  • Enrichment Program @ BIG CAT RESCUE! May 7, 2022
  • Enrichment May 7, 2022

More From BigCatRescue

  • Big Cat Rescue is Live 24/7 on Webcams
  • Rescue Missions
  • About Big Cat Rescue
  • Big Cat Rescue News
  • Reviews
  • Our Recent Work
  • Sanctuary FAQs
  • Big Cat TV

Sanctuary Cats

  • Jaguars
  • Leopards
  • Lions
  • Tigers
  • Bobcats
  • Canada Lynx
  • Cougars
  • Ocelots
  • Savannah Cats
  • Servals

Ways to Help

  • Newsletter SignUp
  • Donate Now
  • Shop
  • Wish List
  • Volunteer
  • Contact Us
  • View AMP Version

Save Big Cats

Donate to Big Cat Rescue
No Result
View All Result
  • Login
  • Sign Up
  • About BCR
  • News @ BCR
  • Videos
  • Big Cat Facts
  • Cub Facts
  • Sanctuary Cats
  • Shop and Save Cats
  • Volunteer
  • Donate
  • Abuse Issues
  • Contact Us

© Copyright 2021 BigCatRescue.Org. All Rights Reserved.

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Forgotten Password? Sign Up

Create New Account!

Fill the forms below to register

All fields are required. Log In

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Log In
This website uses cookies to improve your experience. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish.AcceptReject Read More
Privacy & Cookies Policy

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. These cookies do not store any personal information.
SAVE & ACCEPT

Add New Playlist