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For immediate release:
April 29, 2021
Contact:
David Pearl 202-483-7382
San Antonio – PETA sent a letter to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) this morning informing that convicted wildlife trader Ammon Covino, banned from being licensed to exhibit at the USDA due to his criminal history, appears to have continued his participation in San Antonio. Aquarium as well as Austin Aquarium, using his wife’s name for official paperwork – the same actions for which he was sent back to prison in 2016 for a parole violation related to his previous conviction.
PETA also notes that Covino appears to be heavily involved in the opening of the Houston Interactive Aquarium and Animal Sanctuary, which illegally exhibits animals to the public, including through hands-on encounters with black and white lemurs and other endangered wildlife. federal exhibitor license. PETA is urging the USDA not only to revoke permits for facilities in San Antonio and Austin, but also to reject any permit applications for an “interactive” aquarium in Houston.
“This criminal should not be allowed to continue working in petting zoos that falsify documents and exploit animals,” says Michelle Sinnott, PETA Foundation Deputy Director and Law Enforcement Adviser for Animal Captivity. PETA is urging the USDA to revoke licenses from every business in which it is involved.
The infamous Covinos have faced scrutiny from the public, authorities, visitors, and employees across the country, including in connection with the following incidents in Texas:
- Police discovered last March that the San Antonio Aquarium was operating in violation of the state’s closure order and ordered the manager to close the facility immediately. An hour later, the police discovered that the aquarium was still operational and physically removed visitors and non-essential staff from the building.
- In 2019, the parents of a 10-year-old girl who was allegedly bitten by a lemur sued the Austin Aquarium, and the USDA cited that the company had not consulted with a treating veterinarian to determine the cause of the ear problem. kangaroos appear before treatment.
- In 2018, the USDA found that half lemurs used in public meetings at the San Antonio Aquarium were bitten or scratched by members of the public.
PETA – whose motto is partly that “animals are not ours to be used for entertainment” – opposes arrogance, a worldview focused on human excellence. For more information please visit PETA.org or subscribe to the group on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram…
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