LI Man Cited For Animal Handling; Sloth, Wallaby In Unsafe Spaces

EAST ROCKAWAY, NY —A year after East Rockaway's Larry Wallach, got in hot water with the USDA for bringing a tiger cub to a park without restraints, the exotic animal exhibitor has been cited again. This time, in a report released last week, the agency says Wallach is keeping a sloth and a wallaby in dangerous conditions.

The sloth was found to be in a garage with hazards including exposed cords that posed an electrocution risk.. The wallaby is in a space with walls that are not high enough to keep it contained, the report says.

In August 2020, Wallach made headlines for allowing the public to pet a tiger cub in a park.

"The licensee did not restrict access to the unleashed cub and did not maintain a barrier, allowing the cub to walk among the crowd. During public exhibition, the licensee must ensure that any animal must be handled so there is minimum risk to the animal and public, with sufficient distance and or barriers between the animal and the public," the report states.

A PETA spokesperson cautioned the public to avoid Wallach and his animals in a news release:

“Wherever Larry Wallach goes, the potential for disaster follows,” PETA Foundation Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Michelle Sinnott said.

“PETA is calling on the public to stay away from Wallach and is urging the authorities to revoke his license before his recklessness gets someone hurt.”