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PETA is looking to put Doc Antle in the sights of the USDA because Larsa Pippen posted pictures with some of their exotic animals … but Doc says PETA got it wrong.
The animal rights organization sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture requesting an investigation into the ‘Tiger King’ star for alleged violations of the Animal Welfare Act … stemming from Larsa’s recent visit to her Safari in Myrtle Beach.
In the letter, obtained by TMZ … Debbie Metzler, Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement at PETA, cites Larsa’s visit there this week and her photos with adult and young tigers showing direct public contact.
She claims that the USDA warned Antle 15 years ago that her methods of photographing the public with large adult cats were in violation of the law … and she wonders why “the USDA apparently refused to take any significant action to prevent Antle to allow these types of dangerous direct contact stunts. “
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PETA also worried about Larsa and her sons’ close contact with tigers and a baby chimpanzee, putting the animals at risk of contracting COVID-19, saying the meetings are another violation of the law.
TMZ.com
But, Doc says PETA has the wrong idea about Larsa’s visit … he claims that Larsa took a tour, which included playing with tiger cubs and primates, before filming for a PSA about wild tiger conservation.
Doc told us it was a closed set with larger teenage tigers in a pool, with strict protocols in place that are in compliance with USDA guidelines and recommendations.