Accused Caretaker Must Move Animals by July 15
The operator of a wild animal sanctuary who is facing animal cruelty charges has been given 30 days to find new homes for the critters, which include about 70 tigers, lions and leopards.
John Weinhart and his wife, Marla Smith, already are under a court order temporarily banning them from possessing or caring for any animals, including those at Tiger Rescue, pending the outcome of a Riverside animal cruelty case.
In a letter mailed Monday, the California Department of Fish and Game gave Weinhart until July 15 to find facilities to accept the animals. If he fails to do so, Fish and Game officials will oversee the transfer of the animals to new owners.
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
