Suffolk Bill Would Restrict Use Of Exotic Animals For Performances

SMITHTOWN, NY — A bill that would restrict the use of exotic animals in traveling performances was proposed Monday in Suffolk County.

If passed, the bill would ban exotic animals from being brought to schools, parties or pet shows, News 12 reported. The legislation is sponsored by Suffolk County Legislators Trish Bergin (R—Islip), Jason Richberg (D—West Babylon) and Leslie Kennedy (R—Smithtown).

Humane Long Island, an animal rights organization, informed the Suffolk Legislature that Sloth Encounters, a business in Hauppauge, was offering private home visits with sloths after their business was shut down by the Town of Islip.

“Humane Long Island is proud to stand with Suffolk County Legislators Trish Bergin and Jason Richberg, to stop monkeys from being strapped to dogs and to stop sensitive sloths from being hauled to children’s birthday parties," John Di Leonardo, president of Humane Long Island, wrote in a statement. "This law not only protects the welfare of animals but also teaches empathy to future generations and supports humane, cruelty-free performers who can go home at the end of their day and retire when they wish."

Larry Wallach, an animal specialist at Sloth Encounters, told Patch he thinks the proposed bill is "very unfair."

"Because there are thousands of people that own exotic pets and they show them off, so are you going to lock up every kid?" Wallach said. "I think if you are licensed and insured that you should of course do the educational shows."

Wallach said he has federal permits allowing him to run a business with sloths.

Bergin, in a statement, called the act of using exotic animals in traveling performances "extremely inhumane."

"No exotic animals should be in touching range of a child,” Bergin said. “These animals are being taken to people’s homes for children’s birthday parties and other events. This practice must end immediately.”

At a news conference, Richberg said the proposed bill is not only about the animals' safety, but also that of children. He was joined by Kennedy, while Bergin could not attend because she is sick.

"This legislature is stepping up to protect the health, safety and wellbeing of the general public," Kennedy said. "In addition, this bill prevents the misuse of wild animals."

Kennedy said the county has already had a Eurasian lynx re-homed to Holtsville after it roamed the streets of Central Islip for three days in July, and a 5-foot American alligator turned over to officials in August.

Richberg said the law doesn't directly target Sloth Encounters.

"We've heard of alligators, a lynx, and monkeys being strapped to the sides of dogs," he said. "It's not about one actor."

Richberg added it is a matter of not if, but when, the bill is passed.

"I would want to make sure my children are in a place with a safe and tamed animal that has been vaccinated," Richberg said. "With exotic animals, there is a lot going on. And so, I'd rather take the unknown out of it. I'd rather take my kids to a place with a domestic animal. And if they want to see exotic animals, we can go someplace else."

Sloth Encounters, which charged people to pet, feed and hold sloths, was ordered to temporarily close in September by the Suffolk County Supreme Court after the Town of Islip filed a permanent injunction against the business.

Sloth Encounters was ticketed in connection with possession of wild animals and other violations of the Islip Town Code. Through an attorney, Sloth Encounters pleaded not guilty to four town code violations, News 12 Long Island reported.

Sloth Encounters then announced it would bring the sloths to people's homes.

A judge ruled in September that Sloth Encounters was forbidden from “publicly exhibiting” wild animals at its store or “exhibiting, possessing or harboring” them anywhere that would violate the Town of Islip code, Newsday reported.

The Sloth Encounters website reads that it will allow people to buy sloths.

"Here at Sloth Encounters Pet Shop, We provide a once in a Life Time opportunity to purchase your very OWN SLOTH!" the site reads. "We provide you with an in-depth educational experience into the care and requirements to owning your very own Sloth. Visit us for all of your other exotic pet needs. Food, bedding, tanks, and much more."

Pet sloths are currently legal in New York state.

Richberg said that because the state and federal governments do not regulate exotic animals, Suffolk County will.

State and local governments have their own animal welfare legislation. Those with licenses must follow all state and local laws, in addition to the federal animal welfare standards, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which licensed Wallach. The Animal Welfare Act does not supersede state and local authorities, and those with licenses must follow the local guidelines.

Sloth Encounters was operating at 551 Veterans Memorial Highway. Dueling petitions have been created around Sloth Encounters, with one advocating for the business and the other pushing for its shutdown.