October 2, 2007

From: Kristina Brunner
To: griffing1@...
Sent: Tue, October 2, 2007 8:15:43 AM
Subject: Pitbulls

Greetings Mr. Griffing:

Thank you so much for publishing a wonderful story on the internet! Already, I received an e-mail from the witness that said Carol was there and she confirmed, Carol was definitely on the property when the dogs were killed.

I was reminded that Carol never allowed any group/person outside the WAO to go to the property unless she is present. In fact, I was not allowed to visit the property unless she accompanied me and I was a board member!

Again, thank you so much - this story is getting wide distribution already - should see lots of traffic on this story by the end of the day! k

History on the pitbulls killed by WAO and the SPCA of Texas (Dallas)

Pit Bulls - En - 011005

From: Kristina Brunner
Date: Tuesday, October 2, 2007 7:16 am
Subject: Re: Were Bexar County Pit Bulls Buried Alive?
To: TMARTINEZ015@...

I heard Carol's interview with the Lightning's editor and she was not happy when he brought up the dogs buried at Talley. First she said 60 dogs were buried there, then she didn't know if the dogs were buried there, and then she thinks the dogs were buried there.

Carol said she was in Lousiana rescuing hurricane animals and was gone from San Antonio for most of the year. Problem with that was the animals were killed in Jan 2005 and the hurricanes didn't hit until August 2005!

Besides Carol would never allow anyone on Talley Road w/o being there herself, so I believe you! Not to mention, Ron was there too (with the backhoe).

Carol's story changed so much during the interview, it was "typical Carol." I had no idea she took $5,000 to kill the dogs and bury them at Talley. Makes me very sick!

Thanks for all your help - I couldn't get this story out there w/o your help!! k

----- Original Message -----
From: TMARTINEZ015@...
To: "Kristina Brunner"
Sent: Tuesday, October 02, 2007 7:01 AM
Subject: Re: Were Bexar County Pit Bulls Buried Alive?

Kristina,

Good start! But I'm sure carol was out there while the dogs were being put down. She and Stephanie, if I remember right, came back together. That is when Steph told me it was a good thing I wasn't out there.

Looking forward to more reports. Thanks for sending this to me.

Mary

From: Jeannette Ferro
To: editor@sanantoniolightning.com
Cc:
Sent: Tue, Oct 2 10:57 AM
Subject: RE: Were Bexar County Pitt Bulls Buried Alive

This is Jeannette Ferro, President and founder of Nanny's Fannys, Mini Pig & Animal Rescue, Inc in Louisiana.

I wanted to let you know I have asked for an investigation as to what happened to 100+ potbellied pigs sent to Wild Animal Orphanage on January 31, 2000. I say "100+ because some of the females were pregnant. The pigs were confiscated from a breeder in St. Tammany Parish, Louisiana and the owner charged and convicted of animal neglect and cruelty. It took me 3 months to place those pigs.

The breeder had taken 2 mini pigs and within a 2 year period, had a herd with over 100 pigs. He couldn't afford to feed them, spay and neuter them, provide any other kind of medical care for them, nor house and confine the pigs in a properly fenced area. Animal control and the sheriff's office finally confiscated the pigs after repeated complaints from neighbors.

Carol Avestas agreed to take them. At the time she was a board member of The American Santuary Association, and I had heard and knew nothing but good about her and her sanctuary. She required I send her $4,500.00 up front that she said would be used to build a large barn and fence off several acres for the pigs. It was agreed that she would not adopt the pigs out as they were all inbred pigs and not in the best of health, and because they had already been traumatized enough in their little short lives. The $4,500.00 was collected from the general public through television news casts and newspaper articles covering the rescue in order to save the pigs. I also solicited funds from larger nonprofit animal rescue organizations. Carol Asvestas also solicited funds on her own to her donor base and other nonprofit organizations. She mailed out one newsletter giving a woman credit for donating $5,000.00 from her foundation and was thanked by Carol for "saving the pigs." Neither my name nor contributions were mentioned. I later sent her another $500.00 of my own money as well as donating 3 pieces of jewelry for which Carol advised me she received $1,500.00 for.

I called numerous times and spoke with Asvestas about the pigs and repeatedly requested photos of them and their new barn and fenced in acreage. While she agreed to send photos, she never did. All I ever got from her was, "They're fine!" This went on for several years. I began to hear rumors that the pigs were no longer there and some people had never seen or heard about 100+ mini pigs at WAO. I then found out that Ron and one of his workers brought a large truck in within 2 months after the pigs' arrival at WAO and took them all off. No one knows where they were taken to. I fear the worst.

Carol did tell me several months in that she send approximately 40 pigs to one of her board member's home, but that the pigs were near by and she could and did check on them regularly. She assured me she had the rest of them. Again, she would not reveal to where or to whom she sent my babies. "They're fine!" is all I ever got from her.

I then spoke to the professional animal transporter who took the pigs to WAO, along with other animals from another abuse case in Tangipahoa Parish. Two of that parishes humane investigators accompanied the transporter to deliver all the animals. I paid for the entire amount of the transport fees out of the donated funds for the pigs. The other animals were several fox, a capucin monkey and his "blanky", and some wolves. I have no idea what happened to those other animals either.

Carol/WAO has always advertised to the general public as being a "no kill sanctuary" where "animals that would have otherwised been killed" were allowed to live out their lives in peace at WAO. I'm told WAO has solicited (with photos) for the care of certain animals when those animals were no longer alive.

I'm sure you are aware that there are currently formal investigations being conducted by several agencies. I filed a formal complaint for my little pigs to be included in the investigations. I want to know once and for all what those people did with my little pigs. For 3 seemingly never ending months I worried, lost sleep over, couldn't eat, and cried over those pigs. I had never taken on such a large rescue on my own before. Once committed, I was scared to death that I wouldn't be able to pull it off and those pigs would end up being killed. I trust you will not do anything with the information I am sharing with you that would interfere or disrupt the ongoing investigations. After the investigations are closed and final, feel free to do whatever you want with this. I'm currently in TN with 12 of my rescues, but will be returning to our home in LA shortly. My number is below if you have any questions.

As it seems now, those babies would probably have been better off without my interference. They would have been killed, but their nightmares would have ended with their deaths. I have no idea what other horrors they were forced to endure after I sent them off that day. I have lived all this time with strong guilt and a very heavy heart and never forgetting those little faces. That money needs to be refunded, but my main concern is to once and for all find out what those people did with those babies. I would love to be face to face with Carol Asvestas and have her tell me the truth.

Sincerely,

Jeannette Ferro

Nanny's Fannys, Mini Pig & Animal Rescue, Inc.

October 8, 2007

In an attempt to find out how much money the SPCA of Dallas provided the WAO in 2005 to kill and bury the pitbulls on the Talley Road property, contact was made with the SPCA of Dallas' VP of Finance. Here is the email exchange:

pinkkat1@...
Sent Monday, October 8, 2007 6:26 pm To rwatkins@spca.org
Cc
Subject Financial Information
Dear Mr. Watkins:

It was suggested I contact you regarding charitable nations/grants made by the SPCA of Dallas to other animal-related non-profit organizations. I reviewed the SPCA of Dallas' 2005 990 on-line but unfortunately it does not provide any information regarding grants/donations given to other outside organizations.

Any information you can provide me regarding 2005's donations/grants given to outside organizations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!

Sincerely,

Vera Oakley

-----Original Message-----
From: pinkkat1@...
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007 12:32 PM
To: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas
Subject: Financial Information (2nd Request)
Importance: High

Dear Mr. Watkins:

This is a re-transmission of the e-mail I sent you on Monday, in case you did not receive it the first time - I know you must be a busy person, which is why I appreciate your assistance in this matter - - thank you.

Sincerely,

Ms. Oakley

----- Original Message -----
From: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas <rwatkins@spca.org>
Date: Thursday, October 11, 2007 1:16 pm
Subject: RE: Financial Information (2nd Request)
To: pinkkat1@...

Ms. Oakley,

I apologize for not responding sooner.

The SPCA of Texas did not provide any charitable donations or grants to other animal-related non-profit organizations in 2005. We work closely with several other animal welfare organizations in the North Texas area but do not have the financial resources to provide support to them.

I hope this answers your question. If you have any additional questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Russ Watkins
V.P. of Finance
SPCA of Texas
Direct: 214-461-1820
Main: 214-742-SPCA
Fax: 214-461-1801

-----Original Message-----
From: pinkkat1@...
Sent: Thursday, October 11, 2007 7:40 PM
To: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas
Subject: Re: RE: Financial Information (2nd Request)
Importance: High

Thank you very much for getting back with me, Mr. Watkins.

If I understood you correctly, the SPCA of Dallas does not provide any monetary support to outside agencies. Therefore if another non-profit charitable organization claimed it received money from your organization for the temporary care and treatment of hurricane cats and/or other similar animal rescued in 2005, then this agency would be in error?

With so may claims from animal charities advertising they received funding from well-known animal shelters for the care of animals in times of crisis, it can be rather hard to distinguish facts from fiction. I appreciate your insight into the SPCA of Dallas' financial resources.

Sincerely,

Ms. Oakley

----- Original Message -----
From: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas <rwatkins@spca.org>
Date: Friday, October 12, 2007 12:34 pm
Subject: RE: RE: Financial Information (2nd Request)
To: pinkkat1@...

Ms. Oakley,

Now that I have a better understanding of what you are asking please allow me to provide a better explanation of what the SPCA of Texas provided to other agencies in 2005. We provided financial reimbursements to the Humane Society of Bexar County, Animal Sanctuary of the United States and Wild Animal Orphanage to cover costs incurred by them on our behalf for rescues that we participated in. This is very different from a charitable donation or grant. These payments appearedas expenses on our financials but we have no control over how the other agencies recognized the receipt of the funds. I did not conduct a detailed transaction search so there may have been other payments.

In the normal course of business the SPCA of Texas does not provide grants or monetary support to other agencies. However, if another agency incurs expenses on our behalf we will try to reimburse them if possible. If you can provide me with the names of the organizations that you are inquiring about I will be glad to do additional research and provide you with a definite answer as to whether or not we made any payments to them and what the purpose of the payments were.

Sincerely,

Russ Watkins
V.P. of Finance
SPCA of Texas
Direct: 214-461-1820
Main: 214-742-SPCA
Fax: 214-461-1801

-----Original Message-----
From: pinkkat1@...
Sent: Friday, October 12, 2007 6:38 PM
To: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas
Subject: Re: RE: RE: Financial Information (2nd Request)
Importance: High

Dear Mr. Watkins,

I believe I understand now how the SPCA of Dallas reports reimbursement monies sent to other charitable organizations - makes sense to me!

I am interested in learning more about the organizations you mentioned below - the Animal Sanctuary of the United States, Wild Animal Orphanage, and the Humane Society of Bexar County. Could you provide me the amount of monies the animal shelters received for each animal rescue and reason for each reimbursements for 2005?

May I also ask, where on the financial documents should the charities report the reimbursements -- on the donation sheet or somewhere else on the 990?

I want to thank you for taking the time to answer all my questions – you have been most kind.

Sincerely,

Ms. Oakley

----- Original Message -----
From: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas <rwatkins@spca.org>
Date: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 5:14 pm
Subject: RE: RE: RE: Financial Information (2nd Request)
To: pinkkat1@...

Ms. Oakley,

I would like to urge you to request a copy of each organization's Form 990 to learn more about them. Their websites also provide a lot of useful information. I'm sorry but we do not disclose information to the level of detail that you are requesting. With respect to where the charities should report the reimbursements, that is decided by each organization and I can not say where they should or should not recognizeit since I am not a part of those organizations.

Sincerely,

Russ Watkins
V.P. of Finance
SPCA of Texas
Direct: 214-461-1820
Main: 214-742-SPCA
Fax: 214-461-1801

-----Original Message-----

From: pinkkat1@...
Sent: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 6:53 PM
To: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas
Subject: Re: RE: RE: RE: Financial Information (2nd Request)

Below is an exert from:
From: Russ Watkins - SPCA of Texas <rwatkins@spca.org>
Date: Friday, October 12, 2007 12:34 pm
Subject: RE: RE: Financial Information (2nd Request)
To: pinkkat1@...

"If you can provide me with the names of the organizations that you are inquiring about I will be glad to do additional research and provide you with a definite answer as to whether or not we made any payments to them and what the purpose of the payments were."

Dear Mr. Watkins:

You mentioned in the above referenced e-mail that you would provide me the requested information if I gave you the names of the organizations I was inquiring about. May I ask what changed, whereas you are now saying you cannot provide this level of information?

Ms. Oakley,

What changed was additional thought on the matter.

The SPCA of Texas does not provide detailed information on its donors. Likewise, we do not provide detailed information on our vendors. I encourage you to contact the organizations that you are interested in and speak with them directly about your questions. Should you have any additional questions about the SPCA of Texas you can contact our President, James Bias at 214-461-1825.

Sincerely,

Russ Watkins
V.P. of Finance
SPCA of Texas
Direct: 214-461-1820
Main: 214-742-SPCA
Fax: 214-461-1801

So much for providing truthful information regarding how much money the SPCA of Texas (Dallas) paid the WAO to kill and dispose of the pitbull dogs’ bodies at the Talley Road property, huh? Oh, and Mr. Watkins wants me to contact James Bias, the same person who refused to return my call in 2006—the same person who just so happens to be good friends of the Asvestas? Not going to happen!

October 17, 2007

Some of the animals listed below appear to have died months ago and were left to rot in the HIV chimp freezer. I guess no "outsiders" would have ever thought to look in this freezer for more dead animals.

Email from MM - 100107 - More dead animals

October 20, 2007

Sat, October 20, 2007 12:10:52 PM

2 Lions 4 Tigers Rescued This Morning by Big Cat Rescue, IFAW and ASUS/WAO

From:	Carole at Big Cat Rescue MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
To:	K. M. Brunner

Contacts: Chris Cutter (IFAW), Tel. (508) 737-4623, ccutter@ifaw.org

Brandon Frazier (IFAW), Tel. (202) 536-1907, bfrazier@ifaw.org

Scott Lope at Big Cat Rescue Tel. (813) 323-5991, Operations@BigCatRescue.org

Carole Baskin at Big Cat Rescue Tel. (813) 493-4564, MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Carol Asvestas of Wild Animal Orphanage Tel. (210) 688-9038, wao@stic.net

Note to editors: Photos, video & more info available at http://www.bigcatrescue.org/rescuelionsandtigers.htm

Animal groups rescue abandoned lions and tigers from Ohio woman

(Tampa, FL – 20 October 2007) – Today three animal welfare organizations: IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare), Big Cat Rescue, and The Wild Animal Orphanage rescued 6 abandoned big cats – 2 lions and 4 tigers – from an unsanctioned Ohio shelter. The animals are being relocated to licensed animal sanctuaries in Florida and Texas. The move highlights the pressing need for reformed U.S. laws covering exotic pets and has been lauded by animal advocates nationwide.

The animal rescue groups are taking the big cats under a court order. The cats were formerly owned by Diana McCourt until the USDA revoked her license to use the animals and fined her. McCourt was subsequently evicted from her property and abandoned the cats. Local authorities were forced to take possession of the animals. Now they will be moving to permanent sanctuaries where they will receive much better care.
“IFAW is pleased to step in and be part of this extraordinary effort," explained IFAW U.S. Director Jeffery Flocken. “We are advocating for stricter regulations preventing illegal ‘big cat’ ownership and look forward to the day these types of rescue measures will be unnecessary.”

During the relocation, all six big cats will be transferred to Big Cat Rescue of Tampa, Florida – where 2 lions and 2 tigers will reside – while the remaining 2 tigers will continue on to permanent placement at the Wild Animal Orphanage in San Antonio, Texas.
“People need to understand the tremendous responsibility involved with taking on the care of these exotic animals," said Carol Asvestas, Wild Animal Orphanage Director. "These animals require a lifetime commitment that can be very costly and, at times, dangerous. What’s made this move easier for us is the overwhelming unity of participating organizations. It's been wonderful.”

"While we are happy to be able to rescue four of these cats we are so thankful to IFAW for arranging the transport of them and for enabling the rescue of the remaining two tigers. Once IFAW’s federal bill, Haley’s Act, becomes law it will be illegal to abuse big cats as photo props and horrific situations like this will cease to exist," said Carole Baskin, Founder and CEO of Big Cat Rescue.

Tiger at Siberian Tiger Foundation in OH

The six big cats being relocated are:
• 1 Tiger born April 24, 2000 named Ekaterina
• 1 White Tiger born March 3, 2000 named Sierra
• 1 Tiger born August 20, 1995 named Nikita
• 1 Tiger born June 8, 1994 named Simba
• 1 Lion born August 19, 1998 named Joseph
• 1 Lion born May 12, 1994 named Sasha

The cats are expected to arrive in Florida on October 21st and in Texas on October 23.

About IFAW (International Fund for Animal Welfare)
Founded in 1969, IFAW works around the globe to protect animals and habitats promoting practical solutions for animals and people. To learn how you can help, please visit www.ifaw.org

About Wild Animal Orphanage
We are dedicated to providing a permanent home for and lifetime care to hundreds of formerly unwanted, neglected or abused animals. Learn more at http://www.wildanimalorphanage.org

About Big Cat Rescue
We provide the best home possible for the 140+ exotic cats in our care and are reducing the number of big cats that suffer the fate of abuse, abandonment & extinction. Find out how at BigCatRescue.org

Read about how I tried to stop the transfer of two tigers to the WAO at:

http://texasanimalsanctuaryunderworld.blogspot.com/2007/10/and-nightmare-continues.html

I tried my best to prevent this action from taking place, but to no avail. I am just amazed how animal "rescue" groups and santuaries protect one another without even knowing the facts.

October 21, 2007

I guess my name will forever be linked with the WAO as I just received my first Google alert, letting me know my name is definitely out there on the Internet super highway. Yippee. This was not the way I wanted to be remembered.

From: Google Alerts <googlealerts-noreply@google.com>
To: kbrunner@...
Sent: Sun, October 21, 2007 4:39:02 AM
Subject: Google Alert - Kristina Brunner

Google Web Alert for: Kristina Brunner

WAO-Wild Animal Orphanage Expose

Note from Kristina M. Brunner (Former WAO Vice President/Treasurer) in PDF and MSDOC- January 17, 2006. See PHOTOS HERE and Animal deaths file HERE ...

October 22, 2007

From: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Monday, October 22, 2007 8:14 PM
To: MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
Subject: Tigers en route to the Wild Animal Orphanage

Dear Ms. Baskin:

My name is Kristina Brunner, from San Antonio , and on Saturday, October 20, 2007 , I contacted Mr. Scott Lope, requesting Big Cat Rescue retain all the animals rescued from Ohio.

I have no doubt the call I made to Mr. Lope, was in retrospect , poor in its timing, since the decision had already been made to transfer the animals to San Antonio, Texas.

I also have no doubt when my name and request was mentioned to IFAW representatives and Ms. Asvestas (president of the Wild Animal Orphanage {WAO}), you received a rather disturbing picture of myself. I have made one attempt to contact IFAW in order to present my findings. Mr. Ian Robinson, June 27, 2006, was the person I contacted and he did not express any interest in helping the animals, so I decided present my findings to those who could help the WAO animals.

As I was not there to comment on what may or may not have been said about me and my request, I am therefore unable, at this time, to provide an adequate defense against the false statements that may have been said to discourage further investigation into the situation. Therefore, after consulting with individuals aware of the on-going WAO investigative cases, I have decided to provide your organization information pertaining to the Wild Animal Orphanage which will substantiate my heart felt desire to see all the Ohio animals remain in Florida. While I realize this is not longer an option, I am hoping your organization will refrain from any future partnership with the WAO.

So, allow me to properly introduce myself again:

My name is Kristina Brunner and I was the Sanctuary of the United States (ASUS), d/b/a Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO), Primate Sanctuary of America (PSA); Chimp Aid; Cat Haven; Feral Cat Rehab Center; Whisker’s and Wag’s Humane Society, f/k/a the National Sanctuary for Retired Research Primates (NSRRP), and f/k/a The San Antonio Wildlife Emergency Centre's, Vice President, Treasurer, and Board Chairperson for approximately 3 years and volunteer animal caretaker for 10+ years. I am an upstanding member of the San Antonio community, working in my chosen career field as a Human Resource professional for the last 21 years.

In 2005, I learned the WAO allegedly violated numerous animal welfare laws and allegedly misappropriated funds obtained from charitable donations from the general public, universities, and corporations. I learned of these violations from visual sightings, statements made by volunteers, WAO workers, local veterinarians, and recorded evidence. My investigation led to filing numerous open records and FOIA requests resulting in my heightened concerns I had regarding the operation of the WAO. As the Vice President and Treasurer, I believed I had a fiduciary responsibility to inform the WAO Board of Directors of my initial findings. Prior to the Emergency Board Meeting, I learned Ms. Asvestas removed my name from the WAO Board of Directors’ web page, so needless to say, the meeting did not go well. I attended the board meeting, presented my findings, and based on the reception I received from the Asvestas’, promptly resigned my positions and left the WAO – never to return. I have the entire meeting on audio tape, which was taped with the approval of all board members.

I filed complaints with the appropriate law enforcement and animal regulatory agencies in 2006. The following information is just a few agencies I contacted regarding my findings:

USDA/APHIS is taking the WAO to court for failing to pay the fines associated with the citations levied against the organization. The case was forwarded to the USDA's Office of General Counsel for formal prosecution via an administrative law hearing. It is my understanding this case may go on for two or more years before it will finally be resolved.

Texas OAG/Charitable Trust allegedly entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the WAO regarding misappropriation of funds in violation of the Texas Miscellaneous Corporation Laws Act, the Texas Non-Profit Corporation Act, the Texas Business Organizations Code (to the extent it may be applicable), the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices-Consumer Protection Act, and the common law relating to breach of fiduciary duty and other duties relating to non-profit corporations. I'm waiting for the case to close so I can review the MOU by way of the Texas Open Records Act.

Texas Commission of Environmental Quality sent the WAO an order, demanding the number, type, and health condition of the animals buried in the large animal burial pits found by WOAI (local news television) on the WAO's Talley Road property. As of last month, the WAO, has thus far, refused to provide the TCEQ this information. It is in my estimation, based on the animal records I have in my possession, there are hundreds of animals including, dogs, cats, tigers, lions, bears, chimps, non-human primates, servals, jaguars, cougars, and other species that "disappeared" from the public view.

Recently, I learned the SPCA of Dallas entered into a financial agreement, paying the WAO over $5,000 to allow the SPCA of Dallas to kill and bury animals "rescued" by said organization, at the WAO's Tally Road facility. Ms. Asvestas, president and CEO of the WAO, admitted to an on-line local newspaper, she received "about $5,000" for the allowing the SPCA of Dallas to kill and bury approximately 60+ pit bulls on the Talley Road property. Witnesses place Ms. Asvestas at Talley Road during the time the pit bulls were killed and her husband, I was told, operated the backhoe that was used to dig the dogs’ burial pits.

In the course of my investigation, I also learned the WAO allegedly allowed the SPCA of Texas to house, kill and bury scores of the Kendall County "Retirement" cats "rescued" by the SPCA of Dallas, once again, on the WAO's Talley Road property. I have no doubt Ms. Asvestas participated at this killing event as well. I tried to obtain the dollar amount she received for this partnership, but the SPCA of Dallas refused to impart the dollar amount paid to the WAO, for they do not disclose amounts paid to their “vendors.”

Even though these "agreements" took place in 2005, and kept from the WAO's Board of Directors, I cannot help but wonder how many other "agreements" have taken place in the interim between these two supposed animal shelter groups or any other animal shelter. How many more animals were killed and buried at the Talley Road property? I was never allowed to enter the Talley Road property, even as the Vice President and Treasurer of the WAO, unless I was accompanied by Ms. Asvestas, and I was never allowed to leave the main part of the property. Needless to say, I now know why.

I am absolutely appalled that the WAO allowed a "SPCA" to kill and bury animals on the WAO's property. The WAO's mission statement claims "Provide unwanted, abandoned, abused or neglected animals with a quality, humane, natural environment in which they can live out their lives in peace once they are rehabilitated."

I am equally appalled the SPCA of Dallas killed and buried "rescued" animals on WAO property. The SPCA of Dallas' mission statement states in part "The goal to no longer euthanize for space was first proposed in 2000 as a part of a comprehensive five-year plan designed to take the SPCA into the 21st century as a state-of-the-art, cutting-edge animal shelter while remaining more intensely focused on its core mission, to improve the welfare of all animals." I suppose if animals are killed and buried on properties other those owned by the SPCA of Dallas, then there is no need to worry about euthanizing animals at its shelters, thereby making room for new arrivals.

What absolutely stunned me was Ms. Asvestas was making plans in 2005 to open her own dog and cat shelter, called “Whisker’s and Wag’s Humane Society" in 2006.

At this point, I do not know if there is anything your organization can do for the two tigers en route to San Antonio . I simply ask that your organization refrain from recommending any "rescued" animals to be taken to the ASUS/WAO. My goal is simply to protect the animals still living at these two sites and I hope I can count on your cooperation. I do have one request – can you provide me the names of the tigers en route to Texas and when they are expected to arrive in San Antonio ? I would like to provide this additional information to the USDA/APHIS. It is imperative these animals are identified before they enter the unregulated Talley Road property, where it would be easy for the animals to simply “disappear.”

If you have any questions, or require proof of the allegations made herein, please do not hesitate to contact me at 210-xxx-xxxx for further information/details.

Thank you.

Kind Regards,

Kristina Brunner

Her response:

BigCatRescue <MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org> wrote:

Dear Kristina,

The tigers that went to WAO are Sierra who is white and born March 3, 2007 and Ekaterina who is golden and born April 24, 2000. We do not send cats to other facilities and only recommend that they go to accredited sanctuaries when we cannot take them. What happened in this specific case was unusual in that the Knox County Animal Control had requested of the court that they be awarded possession of the 2 lions and 4 tigers. At the time they knew we would take at least the two lions and they had no other takers for the tigers, so they only listed Big Cat Rescue in their motion as a potential sanctuary for the cats. When the order granted Knox Co. the cats, they were afraid to award them to anyone other than us, since we were the only ones mentioned, so they transferred all six to us. I had contacted all of the accredited sanctuaries and no one would take the four tigers. We decided we could take 2 lions and 2 tigers, but just couldn’t take the last two. The four we were taking had a lot of physical and emotional issues, but Sierra and Ekaterina were younger, healthier and far more friendly toward people. The cats should be in TX already.

IFAW contacted me when they heard about the situation and said they could find placement for the last two tigers and provide transportation of all six cats. I knew they had worked with WAO in the past and I had met Carol and visited her facility in San Antonio . I know Sumner Mathis and while WAO isn’t accredited, the only other option for the cats that came up was Joe Taft. I had been there, been appalled and figured if I had to transfer 2 cats to someone, it would be WAO and not that hell hole. We would love to have taken all six, but it costs us 7500.00 per cat per year to provide proper care and we just couldn’t commit to that unless our donors stepped up to annual commitments for the cats and despite several appeals, it didn’t happen. We are still almost 7000.00 shy of the amount we needed to raise just for the first year of care for the four we did take.

Scott called me, after you called him and said that you had told him there were fines outstanding against WAO and some of the other things you alleged. It was not in my power at the time of your call to cancel the transfer as the cats were already transferred and on Carol’s truck. Since I watch the USDA decisionshttp://www.usda.gov/da/oaljdecisions/aljcondecisions.htm and had never seen a fine against WAO, I assumed that the rest of what you were saying wasn’t true either. I spend most of my time and energy in trying to stop the trade in exotic cats and as a result the breeders, dealers and exotic pet owners say a LOT of things about me that aren’t true. I know that Carol has been involved in litigation to shut down some of these abusers so I figured she has her own little band of enemies who will say anything to disparage her just like I have mine. The only case number I could find referencing Carol was Docket No. 99-0015. 8/11/99 and I never saw anything come of that. I am no expert as to the ways of the USDA and if you know of a pending case, or outstanding citations, I would like to see them.

The vet, Dr. Anand Ramanathan and the PR guy Chris Cutter from IFAW spent the last two days with us and one of the questions he asked me, was if we euthanize animals. We only do it when the animal has no chance at recovery and is suffering, or has lost the will to live. The question made me wonder if the vet knew something about Carol that you had suggested in your conversation with Scott. I told him that we had a call from one person (I didn’t tell him who because I didn’t know your name) and emails from several others, mostly anonymous as these breeders and dealers almost always do, asking us to not send the cats to WAO. He asked if you were one of the people and I told him I didn’t know who had called, but that your name wasn’t one of the emails I had seen. They said that they had heard from you before and had gone in person to check out your claims and found them to be baseless. If these are not people you contacted personally, then it is possible that not all of your information made it to them. Any large organization like IFAW has to be very careful who they are associated with so I would think that they would want to check out every possible fact. In the absence of fact though, it becomes a judgment call that can only be based on what you know of the people involved.

IFAW said they were aware of some violations cited by USDA, but that Carol was in the process of complying with their requests and they didn’t think any of the outstanding matters was of much concern. The only one mentioned was the requirement that carcasses be incinerated vs buried, but that isn’t a USDA requirement, so I assume it is a state or county policy.

I haven’t heard anyone say anything derogatory about you, other than that you have it in for Carol. Could you copy me with case numbers and evidence? Integrity and accountability are crucial in situations like this and I am concerned that far too many of these cats are discarded, rescued and then disappear off the radar all over the place. I have been building a data base of information over the course of many years to try and get a handle on where the cats originate and where they end up and it has been frustrated by the lack of transparency across the board.

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue

an Educational Sanctuary home

to more than 100 big cats

12802 Easy Street Tampa , FL 33625

813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition to protect tigers here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU

October 23, 2007

From: "Linda.L.Kovar@aphis.usda.gov" <Linda.L.Kovar@aphis.usda.gov>
To: KBRUNNER@...
Sent: Mon, October 22, 2007 4:08:24 PM
Subject: Fw: comp 08-029, WAO Fw: 2 Lions 4 Tigers Rescued This Morning by Big Cat Rescue, IFAW and ASUS/WAOOctober 22, 2007

Kristina Brunner
Sent via email: kbrunner@...

Dear Ms. Brunner:

Thank you for your email dated October 21, 2007, concerning the two rescued tigers being transported to the Wild Animal Orphanage. This complaint has been issued number 08-029. If you requested the results of our findings, the information is only available through Freedom of Information Act office. A copy of your request has been forwarded. Otherwise, if you wish to know the results of our findings, you must send a request, in writing, to our Freedom of Information Act office. Please refer to the above issued number.

FOIA requests can be submitted three ways --

1. Email: foia.officer@aphis.usda.gov
2. Fax: 301-734-5941
3. US Mail: USDA, APHIS, FOIA
4700 River Road, Unit 50
Riverdale, MD 20723 Animal Care is the division of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that is responsible for the enforcement of the Animal Welfare Act. The Act provides minimum standards for the humane care and use of animals at USDA licensed or registered facilities.

Animal Care inspectors conduct routine unannounced inspections at all USDA licensed and registered facilities to ensure that they are meeting or exceeding these minimum standards. Our inspectors also conduct searches for unlicensed facilities conducting regulated activities. We perform inspections and searches when necessary in response to valid concerns and complaints received from the public to ensure the well-being of the animals and compliance with the law. If violations are found, enforcement action appropriate for the circumstances will be initiated.

Please be assured that we will look into your concerns and take appropriate action if necessary.

Thank you for your interest in the welfare of these animals.

Sincerely,

Robert Gibbens, DVM
Director, Western Region
USDA, APHIS, Animal Care

Big Cat Rescue Legislative Alert -- 2 Lions 4 Tigers Rescued This Morning by Big Cat Rescue, IFAW and ASUS/WAODear Dr. Gibbens: Yesterday, I learned the WAO will be taking custody of two tigers from Ohio. I immediately contact Dr. Pannell and advised her of the WAO's latest acquisition. I also contacted Scott Lope (Big Cat Rescue) and asked if he would reconsider and allow the two tigers, destined for Texas, to remain with the Florida sanctuary. I explained the WAO is currently under investigation by several agencies, and at this time, the animals should not come to Texas. Mr. Lope told he someone would contact me on Sunday to discuss the situation with me. So far, no call. Since two tigers are undoubtedly en route to Texas, I am concerned for the animals' health and well-being. The WAO has a history of not building large natural enclosures for just two tigers. Since IFAW is funding this "rescue" I expect the WAO will be requesting funds for the animals' feed, medical treatment, and enclosure(s), as this is the WAO's past best business practices, via newsletter appeals. Since the WAO will undoubtedly place the tigers in the Talley Road "quarantine" cage, I am concerned the WAO will eventually try to incorporate the animals into a large existing tiger "group." The WAO does not have a sucessful history of integrating animals into a large existing animal groups and so needless to say, I'm very concerned for the health and well-being of these two tigers. If either animal is sick and in need of medical care, the animal will probably be euthanized, as past animals from previous animal acquisitions were destroyed for having medical problems (ie. South Dakota tigers and more recently the Pahrump animals). The WAO does not have a long track record of rehabilitating and caring for adult tigers with medical problems unless the tigers are special "in-the-news" kind of animals. If investigators could check on the health and well-being of these two tigers and on the condition of Jake (White Crowned Mangabey) and Sabu (lion), I would be most grateful. On a side note, has there been any new developments in the WAO case? Kindest Regards, Kristina Brunner

From: Christopher Krhovjak <Christopher.Krhovjak@oag.state.tx.us>
To: "Brunner, Kristina"
Sent: Tue, October 23, 2007 2:23:07 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: Two Tigers Arrived in San Antonio, TX

Thanks. Sorry, I can't talk about the case right now, but it is still ongoing. I am working on your open records request at the moment.

Chris

>>> "Kristina Brunner" 10/23/2007 2:15 PM >>>

Dear Chris:

FYI:

I would be surprised if the WAO's Board of Directors voted and approved of the WAO's newest acquistions (see below). According to the BCR web page, this was not a short notice rescue. The BCR had enough time to make fund raising arrangements prior to the cats' arrival to Florida. BCR claimed their board "convened and agreed" to take the displaced animals. BCR also claimed to have raised $23,028 towards the care of the animals. I doubt the WAO raised funds towards the care of the animals. I am curious to learn how much money the WAO received towards the care of the new tigers from IFAW. According to BCR, IFAW covered the cost of the animals' transportation, but the BCR web site doesn't state if the WAO received additional monies to care for the animals.

By the way, Chris, is there any new developments in this case that you can tell me? Any resolution in the near future? Many thanks!

Kind Regards,

Kristina Brunner

No one can accuse me of not trying to stay on top of this case. At the rate the sanctuary continues to receive animals, it’s just a matter of time when the WAO’s financial “house of cards” collapses. When will the OAG step in and place this organization under proper receivership? I have a feeling they will not step in and save the WAO animals, for surely they would have done something by now, right? With all the evidence I have sent this Office regarding fraud and misappropriation of funds, I have no idea what they are waiting for...do all the animals have to die before they do something -- anything?

From: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Tuesday, October 23, 2007 10:23 AM
To: MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org
Subject: RE: Tigers en route to the Wild Animal Orphanage

Dear Ms. Baskins:

Here is the response I received regarding my inquiry to obtain the case number pending litigation:

To:	"Kristina Brunner"
Subject:	Re: comp 08-029, WAO Fw: 2 Lions 4 Tigers Rescued This Morning by Big Cat Rescue, IFAW and ASUS/WAO
From:	Linda.L.Kovar@aphis.usda.gov
Date:	Tue, 23 Oct 2007 08:11:31 -0600

I will be submitting an FOIA request to obtain this information. My last FOIA request to USDA/APHIS took 4 months - so you may wish to submit your own request as well!

Kind Regards,

Kristina Brunner

Subject:	RE: Tigers en route to the Wild Animal Orphanage
From:	BigCatRescue (MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org)
To:	kbrunner@
Date:	Tuesday, October 23, 2007 8:14 PM

Dear Kristina,

I have never applied for a Freedom of Information Act from APHIS. Can you direct me to the page or link?

I just now read through the documents you sent and find them disturbing if they are authentic. The notion of killing a tiger because it acts like a tiger is inconceivable to me.

Having 73 animals die in a four year period seems extreme as well, but I don’t know how many animals are housed there and thus do not know the percentage of attrition that would indicate. We lose about 4-6 cats each year, but most of them are in their late teens and early twenties. There was nothing in the documentation that indicates the ages of the animals. I do know that USDA requires that when animals are housed together they must be in compatible groups and when so many are dying in these groups it would seem that is an indication that they aren’t compatible.

Having 21 animals born at a sanctuary in 4 years seems to defy the definition of a sanctuary, but I have no way of knowing if these animals arrived pregnant, or what procedures are used to ensure that no breeding occurs at the facility. Rescuing 36 animals while others are still living in quarantine also seems counter productive, but I don’t know if it was because housing for those specific types of animals was available where it wasn’t for the ones who were awaiting better facilities. Can you tell me what the quarantine areas and temporary holding cages are like as far as size and construction for the big cats? I wouldn’t know anything about other animal’s needs than cats.

Why would animals be transferred from Talley to Leslie? I could understand sending animals off exhibit, but don’t understand what the reasoning may have been for moving animals in the other direction when it appeared to me that the Leslie Road property was over crowded already. In talking with Carol a couple years back while we were there, she seemed to be wanting to move the cats, especially, out to the larger acreage. Have you seen the set up on Talley Road ? Can you describe the way the cats are housed there?

One of our former volunteers took our in house records from 1993, doctored them up to fit her agenda (and not very cleverly, I might add) and then passed them off as having come from USDA’s office. She whited out the dates and convinced one reporter that they indicated our current records were inaccurate because the names didn’t match. The names didn’t match exactly because the cats we had in 2006 were not all the same cats who were here in 1993, although a lot of them were, and if you have been a volunteer for 10 years you know that a lot of names occur over and over, like Simba and Cleo-catra and Bob (the bobcat…how original) but the reporter wasn’t experienced enough to know and didn’t give me the opportunity to show her any different. As a result there was one bad story aired about us, by one stupid reporter, and all of our enemies post it all over the Internet as their only source of validation. The only reason I mention this is because I know that you can’t take something at face value unless it is of public record or has corroborating evidence.

It appears the list of animals born, rescued, transferred, killed or who died was sent by someone named Mary to Carol and on its face is very disturbing, but how can you prove that this is the actual attachment or that Mary wasn’t someone like my former volunteer who created a document to email to Carol so that she could then pass it around as being something other than what it is. I don’t mean to be overly cynical, but I know how stuff like that happens. Was this given to the IFAW people and USDA?

It would appear that you attempted to be forthright in your emergency meeting of the board and your suggestions seemed reasonable. Again, I am assuming that this was the actual context of the meeting, based upon what you supplied. It appears that none of your motions were discussed or voted on. Were they heard at all? If so, what happened next? It seemed that your information had come from a volunteer or volunteers and I wonder if that person is still there and still able to let you know what is happening and if not, what happened to them? Could they have had any reason to give you inaccurate information? You said the meeting was taped. Was this shared with IFAW, USDA or the state department in charge of charitable regulation?

As I sleep on this, I am sure other questions will arise. Thank you for your time in getting to the heart of this.

For the cats,

Carole Baskin, CEO of Big Cat Rescue

an Educational Sanctuary home

to more than 100 big cats

12802 Easy Street Tampa , FL 33625

813.493.4564 fax 885.4457

http://www.BigCatRescue.org MakeADifference@BigCatRescue.org

Sign our petition to protect tigers here:

http://capwiz.com/bigcatrescue/issues/alert/?alertid=9952801&type=CU

Since Carole asked for a lot of information, I thought it best we discuss the case over the phone. I made this suggestion by return email and never heard from her again.

Since she can't stop the transfer of animals, I figure it would be a waste of time pursuing this case with her. From what I have been able to learn, Baskins is a lot like Asvestas.

October 27, 2007

Sad, the WAO BOD will never admit they violated several State and Federal laws. Sad.

ASUS-WAO Board Meeting 10-27-07

October 29, 2007

From: Mechelle
Sent: Monday, October 29, 2007 10:02 AM
To: kbrunner@...
Subject: Cougars

Kristina:

I called the orphanage and spoke to one of the front desk girls. She stated that she had the list “right there” and looked up the number of cougars in the enclosure. She stated that there is 17 at the Leslie location and zero at Tally.

Mechelle

Investigator

Argus Investigations

7330 San Pedro Ave. #650

San Antonio, Texas 78216

210-979-0733 office

210-979-0769 fax

Oh my goodness. The cougar population number is going down fast. I can't believe there were 23 cougars in the summer of '05 and now there are only 17 just two years later. I don't know what else I can do to save the cougars. I will try notifying the USDA once again with the number of animal deaths. What else can I do? No one is listening to me!

From: Kristina Brunner

Sent: Tuesday, October 30, 2007 9:27 PM
To: Mechelle

Subject: Re: Cougars

Greetings Mechelle:

I viewed the video and it worked perfectly - thank you for doing such an outstanding job. Sadly, there are three big cats gone, presume dead: Jambo (Jinx's partner); Tarzan (Leo's partner); and Melia (Apallo, Athena, and Dee Dobins' partner). Melia was one of my most favorite tiger, next to Lulu. My heart is broken...

You are right, the cougar numbers is really low and so is the Harvard monkey population. I'll be passing a copy of the video to the USDA/APHIS for I know they will be very interested in the information on the video.

Again, thank you for all your help -

Kind Regards,

Kristina

[Present Day: The tour guide lied to the public regarding which lion died. Tarzan did not die. Leo died. This was confirmed in December 2009.]

November 7, 2007

For complete details on this story, visit my other website: http://letyourhearttakecourage.blogspot.com/2009/08/story-of-potbellied-pigs.html

Wao Pigs Update

You can hear the referenced audio at http://letyourhearttakecourage.blogspot.com/2009/08/story-of-potbellied-pigs.html

November 8, 2007

No one can accuse me of not staying on top of this case! Someone has to since it appears the OAG is not interested in TCEQ's involvement:

From: Melissa Story <MSTORY@tceq.state.tx.us>
To: Kristina Brunner
Cc: Abigail Power <APOWER.IRPO.TNRDOM1@tceq.state.tx.us>; Henry Karnei <HKARNEI@tceq.state.tx.us>
Sent: Thu, November 8, 2007 10:03:17 AM
Subject: Re: WAO Case Status

Ms. Brunner

I apologize but I have not been back to the site to conduct my follow-up visit. I had actually planned on returning to the site a couple of weeks ago but something very urgent came up and I had to let everything go that I was working on (including the WAO visit) and respond to the emergency. My supervisor is aware of my situation and as soon as I complete this project that I have been working on (within the next week), I will at some point initiate a visit to the site.

Thank you again for your patience.

Melissa Story

TCEQ San Antonio Region Office

Environmental Investigator

(210) 403-4071

>>> Kristina Brunner 11/6/2007 11:11 AM >>>

Greetings Ms. Story:

Just checking in to see if there are any new developments in the WAO case. I've learned the USDA is not authorized to inspect the Talley Road property and I was wondering if your agency had any success in completing the final inspection.

Hope all is well with you -

Kind Regards,

Kristina Brunner

November 9, 2007

From: ksapigbutt@...
To: kbrunner@...
Sent: Fri, November 9, 2007 5:52:06 PM
Subject: SA Lightning and my babies

I told you, Kristina, that it wouldn't take long for the "pig" people to find that story. It took them 2 days. WAO is getting some really nasty emails and I've asked everyone to calmly and politely send a letter or call the OAG and APHIS and ask them to push this case. I also asked them to thank the editor for doing the story.

Sincerely,

J

---------- Forwarded message ----------
From: Laura
Date: Mon, 12 Nov 2007 15:07:58 -0800 (PST)
Subject: Re: [PigINFOandCHAT] Re: I need your voice, please
To: ksapigbutt@...

Hello Jeannette,

Upon reading the Lightning story about the pigs--I was so sad and
angry. I am so sorry that you and the pigs have gone through such a
terrible ordeal. I have six potbellied pigs and two Hampshire pigs.
Pigs are amazing creatures and I feel very blessed to have the pigs
that I care for in my life. I live in Colorado but I will still
contact the those you have listed below.

I don't know why terrible things have to happen to such sentient
beings--but we can be their voice now. You did a wonderful thing when
you stepped up and became their champion when you first heard about
their plight. It is not your fault that a terrible person conned you
and others in the community.

Please let me know if you need anything.

You and the pigs will be in my thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely,

Laura, Ava, Winston, Mia, Reece, Brody, Addison, Keagan, Sebastian,
and Winnie (forever in our hearts)

Serenity Spings Sanctuary <serenitysprings@...wrote:
I am forwarding this as requested and hope you will respond
and cross post to anyone you know that may want to help.

Thanks,

Terry

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jeannette Ferro"
To: <serenitysprings@...>
Sent: Sunday, November 11, 2007 7:17 PM
Subject: I need your voice, please

> Cross posting permitted.
>
> ---------- Forwarded message ----------
> From: Jeannette Ferro
> Date: Wed, 7 Nov 2007 23:50:57 -0600
> Subject: I need your voice, please
>
>
> Please read the article on the following link, then read the rest of
> this email, please.
>
> http://www.sanantoniolightning.com/francis.html
>
> If you send the news link out to others, be sure to use the direct
> link above as it will always be on the San Antonio Lightning website.
> Over time, if someone tries to search for it from the main page of SA
> Lightning, it may be difficult to find. It will remain at the above
> URL *forever*.>
>
> You may or may not be aware of the 98+ potbelly pig rescue I did from
> October 1999 to January 31, 2000 in Louisiana.
>
> All the mini pigs were inbred, being born over a 2 year period from
> one pair that a man in Slidell, Louisiana had. Perhaps, like so many
> others, he thought he would get rich by breeding and selling mini
> pigs, but was soon in over his head, with over 100 pigs he couldn't
> feed or contain. After complaints from the neighbors about the pigs
> being every where and eating their gardens and rooting up their yards,
> the St. Tammany sheriff's department and animal control shelter
> confiscated the pigs and charged the man who was later convicted.
>
> I happened to see the news story as it aired one night in October
> 1999. The news reporter said the pigs would soon be up for adoption
> and anyone who wanted to adopt one, to go to the shelter. I called
> the shelter to ask if they would
> give me time to find sanctuary placement for the pigs and to please
> not adopt them out due to their inbreeding.
>
> The shelter director informed me that the news reporter was wrong to
> report that the pigs would be adopted because the shelter planned on
> killing them all. I pleaded for time and they reluctantly gave it to
> me.
>
> It took me 3 months to do that rescue and ran close to $10,000. All
> the local TV channels and newspapers from three parishes covered the
> story over the entire time, and helped me get donations.
>
> Out of the donated funds, I paid to have all the pigs blood tested and
> tagged, the neutering of the 40 to 45 males, paid for some of the feed
> and hay bills for the months the pigs were at the shelter (I bought
> hay, feed, vegetables, and fruit for them also during that time out of
> my own pocket), and paid for the transport of the pigs as well as
> other animals (wolves, foxes, a Capuchin monkey with his little
> security blanket, and I can't remember who else) from another abuse
> case in an adjoining parish's animal control shelter. Wild Animal
> Orphanage had agreed to take all of these animals. There was no
> funding for the animals from the other parish, but Carol and Ron
> Asvestas told me they would need $4,500.00 up front to cover the cost
> of constructing a new barn for the pigs and to fence off the acreage
> the pigs would be living on. WAO was paid the $4,500.00 as agreed.
>
> Carol promised the pigs and I that the pigs would have several grassy
> acres with lots of shade trees to live out their lives in peace and
> quiet. I specifically requested, and was promised that the pigs would
> be able to remain together as the familiarity of their herd members
> was the only sence of security and safety the pigs had ever known in
> their short little lives.
>
> Several months after the pigs were in San Antonio, I sent $500 of my
> personal funds to WAO and later sent 3 pieces of my jewelry for which
> Carol told me WAO got an additional $1,500.00.
>
> I was in contact with Carol Asvestas for years after the pigs arrived
> in San Antonio via phone and email. I repeatedly asked for photos of
> the pigs and was always promised pictures but never received. All I
> ever got was her pat answer, "They're fine!" I heard different rumors
> along the way about WAO and my pigs and other animals and every time I
> would ask Carol to give me proof with photos or a video of the pigs to
> quiet any rumors and to rest my own anxieties, Carol would always want
> names and would always threaten to sue me or anyone else saying
> anything derogatory about WAO.
>
> Carol wrote to me and told me that the "beautiful barn" had been
> completed. Again, I requested photos, but never given any. According
> to the news story, Carol now says the barn was built, but they later
> tore it down. She certainly never conveyed that to me.
>
> Carol told me some months after the arrival of the pigs at WAO that
> she sent about half of them to a board member who lived near by. She
> said she kept the rest. She would never give me a name or address,
> but said the pigs were close by and she could and did check on them
> regularly and "they were fine!" Much later on, she said all the pigs
> were sent to two different board member's homes, but again, the pigs
> were nearby, as as always, "They're fine!"
>
> I was told at one point by one person that Carol said she "got rid of
> them" when asked how the pigs were doing, and later told by someone
> else that Ron had been seen loading all the pigs up on a truck not
> long after they arrived at WAO. I was told a few pigs could not be
> caught and they may still be there at WAO, but I have found no one to
> this day who has said they have seen them. I was told while the pigs
> were seen by workers at WAO being loaded on a truck, no one at the
> sanctuary was ever told where Ron took the pigs to that day.
>
> For almost 8 years now, this has haunted me. I can't begin to tell
> you the guilt I feel for letting those babies down if anything has
> happened to them. It has been torture not knowing their whereabouts
> or if they are even alive or dead. Other than to take in a few pigs
> and other animals myself, I can no longer bring myself to do rescue
> work if I can't personally take the animals.
>
> I have no idea where my babies are, but I know there is someone out
> there who does know and I'm hoping they will come forward with any
> information. If my babies are with other people, I want to know where
> and I want to be able to see them. If Carol wants to sue me for being
> concerned about those babies and wanting to see them, then so be it.
> I made a promise to those babies and my obligation to them, or to any
> other animal I've ever rescued, did not end the day they left my care.
> I will always be concerned and care about them.
>
> The Office of Attorney General of Texas, Charity Trusts Section, is
> currently investigating WAO. (I was personally contacted by the OAG.)
> I am told that the USDA has cited WAO with violations to which I'm
> told WAO has filed an appeal. I am told other agencies are
> investigating WAO.
>
> If you would, please, write and/or call (no emails please) the Office of
> Attorney General's Office and the Veterinary Services in Austin, TX,
> and *POLITELY* ask them to please expedite this case as quickly as
> possible. I stress politeness as I don't want the investigations to
> be hindered in any way. I am hoping enough public appeal will give
> incentive to expedite these investigations as quickly as possible.
> While people from other states are certainly encouraged to write or
> call as all public appeal will help, it will also be helpful if the
> Texas state agencies that are investigating WAO hear from citizens of
> Texas in particular.
>
> Please ask the Attorney General's office, if they do find any wrong
> doing and charges are filed, to please not to seek to close the
> sanctuary as it is badly needed by the never ending numbers of
> homeless and abused animals, but to please appoint new board members
> and directors.
>
> If you would, also, please email the editor of the San Antonio
> Lightning and sincerely thank him for reporting this story. There's
> a contact link on the SA Lightning website to email a "thank you" and send
> any
> comments you may have to the editor or use this one,
> editor@sanantoniolightning.com
>
> The contact info for the OAG is:
>
> Office of Attorney General
> Charity Trusts Section
> P. O. Box 12548
> Austin, TX 78711-2548
> Phone (512) 475-4178 for Assistant Attorney General, James L. Anthony or
> Phone (512) 475-4175 for Investigator Chris Krhovjak
>
> The contact info for USDA, APHIS Area Rep in Austin, TX is:
>
> USDA, APHIS, Western Region
> Area Veterinary Services
> Robert Gibbens, DVM
> 903 San Jacinto Blvd.
> Room 220
> Austin, TX
> Phone (970) 494-7478
>
>
>
> Thank you for your help.
>
> Sincerely,
> Jeannette Ferro

November 18, 2007

From: Kristina Brunner

To: Kristina Brunner; Robert M. Gibbens
Cc: Chris Krhovjak <christopher.krhovjak@oag.state.tx.us>
Sent: Sun, November 18, 2007 6:10:07 PM
Subject: Re: WAO - November 2007 Tour

Dear Dr. Gibbens:

After reviewing the video tape again and consulting with the video photographer, I noticed there was a bite wound on one of the female cougar's head. It was difficult to make out at first, as the cougar kept moving about the enclosure.  The wound looked red and inflammed. I spoke with the photographer and she told me the wound looked very red -- no green pus noted, but she was concerned it may develop into something serious if left untreated. I am concerned with the cougar's injury and I hope someone can check on this cougar to make sure the wound does not develop into an infection. With the number of cougars rapidly dwindling at the WAO, I pray this cougar will receive medical care before she too dies from an untreated injury.

Also, will someone check on the health of Jinx? With the admittance that Jinx's partner, Jambo, died from hepatitis, I am worried about health. The photographer also mentioned, on tour day, she was bite several times from mosquitoes, near Jinx's enclosure.  Needless to say, I'm concerned with the health of all the animals at the WAO, including its vistors.

Thank you, Dr. Gibbens, for looking into this situation

Kind Regards,

Kristina Brunner

----- Original Message -----

Kristina Brunner

To: Robert M. Gibbens

Cc: Melissa Story ; Chris Krhovjak

Sent: Tuesday, November 13, 2007 8:23 PM

Subject: WAO - November 2007 Tour

Via E-Mail

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Attention: Dr Robert Gibbens, D.V.M.

Director - Animal Care - Western Region

Animal Plant & Health Inspection Service (APHIS)

Animal Care (AC)

2150 Centre Ave – B – 3W11

Fort Collins, Colorado 80526-8117

November 15, 2007

RE:      Original Complaint, dated March 24, 2006 – Wild Animal Orphanage



Dear Dr. Robert Gibbens, D.V.M.:

I respectfully submit additional information supporting my allegations that the Animal Sanctuary of the United States, dba “The Wild Animal Orphanage”, does not provide adequate care for its animals.

On November 4, 2007, a second team of private citizens took a tour of the Leslie Road facility due to serious concerns of a large number of animals gone missing from the WAO within the last two years.

I am in possession of another DVD which shows what a typical WAO tour is like at the Leslie Road facility. The video was taken on Sunday, November 4, 2007, after 3:30pm, on a warm day. The tour guide was Terry Minchew and she is listed on the WAO’s web page as an “animal care technician.” Based on inaccurate animal care comments Ms. Minchew made during the tour, I do not believe she is an “animal care technician,” but rather a WAO tour guide. For instance:

Ms. Minchew told the tour the bears received dog food only to distract the bears when it was time to wash down the enclosures—she explained the bears loved to grab the hoses. All the bears had dog food – even those bears not able to grab the hoses. Ms. Minchew stated the WAO plans to integrate Tash and Tiny, small brown bears, in with Boris, a large Russian brown bear.

Once again, Ms. Minchew claimed the subtropical primates preferred “protein” over fresh fruits and vegetables.

A large metal object can be seen in the Barbary’s box. Due to the size of the object, the monkeys were probably unable to enter the box without getting cut by its sharp edges.

Again, Ms. Minchew also told the tour the vervet monkeys never had babies until this year. According to the “death page” taken from Ms. Lagutchik’s missing red book, a baby vervet died on October 30, 2005 at the Leslie Road facility. I have personally seen several baby vervets in the enclosure over the years. Ms. Minchew claimed only three baby vervets were born at the WAO this year. Terry told the tour it was her job to find the males that are producing offspring so the WAO can ensure the monkeys were fixed.

The tour reported seeing dog food not only in the bear enclosures, but in all of the monkey enclosures. A few lemons were seen in the bear and monkey enclosures and the smell of garlic was reported on the monkeys. Ms. Minchew told the tour the big cats were fed 10 lbs of meat per day – supposedly alternating between red meat and chicken. Ms. Minchew told the tour the big cats were fasted during the week and were given bones to chew during their “fast.”

Ms. Minchew confirmed she lives on the Talley Road property with her two dogs. She regaled a story about what happened when her two dogs left the front yard at the Talley Road property. She said that when she allowed her dogs to play in the front of her home unattended, the dogs took off. When the dogs did not respond to her calls she became very concerned and went looking for the dogs at the tigers’ enclosures. Fortunately, the dogs were found near the horses. I found it interesting to note she was concerned about two small dogs approaching or entering the tiger enclosures, but had little concern about all the domestic cats released in the same area, as part of the “Feral Cat Colony” program.

Ms. Minchew claimed dead monkeys, were, depending upon the circumstances, necropsied and then cremated. According to Ms. Minchew, the other big animals were buried in a landfill, unless deemed sick, and then the veterinarian would conduct a necropsy and then dispose of the bodies. Ms. Minchew tried to obtain the sympathy of the tour by stating she could no longer “sit and visit them [dead animals].”

The following animals are no longer at the WAO and are either presumed or confirmed dead within the last 24 months.

Tarzan, male lion, originating from Cancun, Mexico. Tarzan can be seen at the WAO link: http://www.wildanimalorphanage.org/tarzanlion.html. In 2005, he was living with Leo, another male lion from Cancun. Ms. Asvestas wanted to integrate Tarzan, Leo, Sheba, and Sebastian into one enclosure. Since Tarzan moved slower than the other lions and ran with a “hop” I asked Mary and Michelle Reininger if it was safe to integrate Tarzan with Sebastian, a very strong male. I was told it would be dangerous to house all four tigers together, which was why Tarzan and Leo lived together. Leo really seemed to get along with Tarzan and it even appeared Leo was helping Tarzan stretch out his legs by keeping him active.   Tarzan was not seen or mentioned on the October 2007 tour. Ms. Minchew told the tour the WAO planned on integrating Leo with Sebastian and Sheba. This was tried several years ago and failed because the two paired lions did not want another male in the same enclosure with them. I fear for Leo’s life if the WAO tries to integrate the lions again. UPDATE: Ms. Minchew claimed Tarzan is living at Talley Road as part of the lion pride at this property during the November 2007 tour. Based on Tarzan’s disability and the WAO’s reluctance to tell the public the truth about the Cancun lions, I have reason to believe Tarzan is dead.

This was exemplified best when Ms. Minchew told the November 2007 tour, Rex, a Cancun baby lion and star of “Growing Up Lion,” was alive and living at Talley Road. Rex died years ago. According to Mary & Michelle Reininger and Brandon Prill in 2005, Rex’s lifeless body was found during morning rounds several years ago. Rex was housed with several older tigers and was therefore no match against the larger animals’ attack. Rex was found being dragged around the enclosure like a “chew toy.”

I notified the WAO Board of Directors on January 7, 2006, Item 7, Emergency Board Meeting Agenda that Ms. Asvestas provided the VP/Treasurer with false information regarding the death of Rex and two macaques received from the University of Virginia. It was my recommendation that the WAO's President shall not provide any board member with false information regarding the health or death of any animal and the WAO will provide the public with factual information regarding the health, care, and death of its animals. The topic was not even discussed.

Jambo, male lion, starred in “Growing Up Lion” as the father of the two cubs born at the WAO. I expressed concern about Jambo in 2005, as he was rapidly losing weight and I believed he was not receiving a proper diet (he was being fed chicken only for some time because he was considered “over weight”). While living at the Talley Road property, he looked great as evidenced by the photos I took of him in 2005. Shortly after moving to Leslie Road, it became apparent to me his health was declining. I mentioned this to Mary and Michelle Reininger on December 24, 2005.   Jinx and Jambo always lived together at the WAO. Now Jinx is living alone. I am concerned for her well-being because the WAO is bent on “integrating” animals, else they will be euthanized. UPDATE: According to Ms. Minchew, Jambo recently died from hepatitis. Ms. Minchew described in detail Jambo’s condition before he died with the November 2007 tour. I am concerned about the health of Jinx and the WAO’s desire to integrate her with Leo. According to Ms. Minchew, the WAO is thinking about integrating Jinx and Leo sometime in the future.

Melia, female Bengal tiger. Ms. Asvestas wanted to euthanize Melia in early 2005 because, according to a telephone conversation between Ms. Laguchik on December 13 and 17, 2005, Ms. Lagutchik said Ms. Asvestas told her during one of her “walks” around the property Melia “looked renal” and wanted to put her down. I asked if there were any medical tests results which would confirm this “diagnosis” and was told no, Melia had not been seen by a veterinarian. Melia was not euthanized in 2005 due to the hurricane “relief” activities. Melia was alive on September 14, 2006 and living with Dee-Dobins, Apollo, and Athena, but she is no longer on tour today. Update: Ms. Minchew claimed Melia died from breast cancer. Ms. Minchew told the tour the WAO noticed an abscess and administered antibiotics. When the abscess did not go down, the tiger was euthanized. Later a necropsy was performed by the veterinarian and cancer was discovered.

The serval population went from 9 cats in 2005 to 1 cat in 2007. Ms. Minchew claimed there were three bobcats in the enclosure, but the video only shows one and the investigator said she only saw one cat. On January 28, 2007, Mike Dereadt told the tour the WAO had only 2 bobcats. Update: Ms. Minchew claimed the eight servals died from “old age” or “renal failure.” Renal failure was a common cause of death amongst most of the WAO animals—most diagnosed without the benefit of a veterinarian’s examination. Ms. Minchew said two servals died this year from old age. I was told by Mr. Brandon Prill several servals “escaped” the enclosure in 2005 and he could not figure out how the animals got out. The November 2007 tour said they only saw one bobcat in the enclosure.

The cougar population went from 21 cats on/about June 18, 2005—this number includes the six cougars from Odessa, Florida arriving at the WAO on April 5, 2005—to approximately 6-8 cats in 2007. On October 28, 2007, the cougars were all housed in the far right enclosure (with the “lemonade stand structure—no climbing trees available for the cats to climb out of sight and the grass was dead so it was easy to see back into the enclosure). The investigator reviewed the video three times and I reviewed the video numerous time and both of us agree there are about 6 cats (not including two cats that may be hiding behind the structure) in the enclosure. Clearly there were not 16 or 17 cats living in this small area. In the far left side of the enclosure appeared to be a cougar, not moving, and slightly to the left of the cat there was a dead deer. According to Ms. Minchew, the cougars are mainly “female.” When I left the WAO in 2005, I recall the cougars being mostly males. On January 28, 2007, another individual took a tour and was told by Mike Dereadt there were 16 cougars in the enclosure. The individual reported one cougar “…looked to be sick. We were told it was simply old. It was darker color than the others and very thin. It was lying down and never got up while we were there. It’s eyes were goopy, meaning that they had discharge. And it had a runny nose. Mike did tell us it was a male.” On December 30, 2005, the Guilbeau Station Animal Hospital veterinarians expressed concern regarding the proximity of the contagious viral infected hurricane cats to the big cats. I expressed concerned to the veterinarians when I visited their office earlier that same month that some of the regular animal care staff worked around the contagious domestic cats and then fed and cleaned up after the big cats, sometimes wearing the same latex gloves. I was concerned the virus could be transferred from the domestic cats to the exotic cats. I was also concerned the 6 cougars from Florida were introduced to the existing cougars with very little “quarantine” time. I learned the animals did not receive a check-up from the local veterinarian. No medical or blood tests were performed or taken on the cougars, and so I was afraid a contagious disease could be introduced to the cougar population. Based on the numerous times I observed the current resident cougars attacking the new Florida cougars, I did not believe the animals should live together due to incompatibility. By December 2005, I learned from Ms. Lagutchik, only a few Florida cougars survived. Today, I am concerned about the health and welfare of the remaining cougars. According to an office worker, there were supposed to be 17 cougars living in the enclosure (she looked up the information on the tour guide sheet) and there were no cougars living at Talley Road. Clearly, in the DVD, there does not appear to be “17 cougars” living in the cougar enclosure. Update: According to Ms. Minchew, there are only 15 cougars left in the enclosure, this means 6 cougars died within a short period of time. The tour said there did not appear to be 15 cougars in the enclosure, so the tour asked more than once how many cougars were in the pen—each time Ms. Minchew confirmed there were 15 cougars in the enclosures.

Ms. Minchew told the tour that most of the animals the WAO receive were mainly old animals, that were raised on poor diets, which is why so many of the animals died from “old age” or “renal failure.” According to my records, most the animals that are no longer alive ever made it half way through their expected lifespan. When the tour asked the life expectancy of the big cats, Ms. Minchew said they could live up to their early 20’s in captivity.

Ms. Minchew claimed the WAO had two 3-legged cougars. It turns out there are two cougars now missing legs. Ms. Minchew claimed both animals arrived at the WAO in their present condition. This is a false statement. Mesquite (aka Skeeter) arrived at the WAO as a young cougar with four legs. I saw Skeeter when he first arrived and shortly thereafter when his leg was amputated. I was told Skeeter was placed in the cougar run next to a large adult male. During the night, the male cougar was able to grab Skeeter’s leg and nearly ripped it off. The leg could not be saved and so it was removed. The female cougar missing a leg undoubtedly lost her leg at the WAO as well. What is most shocking was the statement Ms. Minchew made surrounding the cats’ missing limbs – the owners probably wanted to control the cats by removing the limbs – at least, that’s what she hopes didn’t happen. One cougar is missing his hind leg and the other is missing her front leg.

Ms. Minchew told the tour that two cougars that starred in the Mercury car commercials were retired at the WAO and currently living in the cougar enclosure. According to Mary & Michelle Reininger, Ariel and Charlie, the two cougars used in the television commercials over 11 years ago, died several years ago.

The main theme throughout the tour seemed to be the WAO’s desire to integrate many of the animals into large groups—bears, big cats and monkeys—in order to make room for more arrivals.

Ms. Minchew told the tour that the two baboons living at Leslie Road property will be eventually integrated with the other baboons in a large natural enclosure at Talley Road property. I am concerned for the health and safety for the two Leslie Road baboons, as integrating baboons into an existing troop can be very dangerous for the newcomers.

Lulu is another animal Ms. Minchew said the WAO planned to integrate with other tigers – specifically with Tag and Rumby. Again, I have reason to believe this will be a dangerous pairing.

Ms. Minchew reported that the big cats “fast” during the week. Ms. Minchew claimed most of the big cats had bones in their cages, but the tour reported seeing only chicken bones in the cats’ enclosures. It seemed the big cats were fed mainly chicken.

The video showed the water bowels filled with green water. Tours reported a lot of mosquitoes on the Leslie Road property. I am concerned the water bowels were not cleaned and therefore mosquito larvae were allowed to grow in the water dishes again. The animals, in turn, were then forced to consume the green water containing mosquito larvae.

Princess (7 years old as of 2006) and Bubba (5 years old in 2006) were placed into the same cage for the first time “last week.” Again, Ms. Minchew told the tour Princess was an “old tiger” and she was “15 years old.” According to Dr. Ehrlunds’ records, Princess is ½ that age. Ms. Minchew was quoted as saying on the November 2007 tour “they may not live long, but at least they have this.” I believe this statement was made to prepare the public for the future demise of these two tigers. The video shows the two tigers moving around together and it appears the animals were not receiving the drugs recommended by the veterinarian for inflammation and pain control.

Ms. Minchew showed the tour a few domestic cats up for adoption. Ms. Minchew told the tour the WAO received hurricane cats and those animals that could not be reunited with their owners were sent to other shelters so they could be adopted out. Ms. Minchew said only one hurricane cat (black in color) remained at the WAO as it was too sick to go to a shelter. Ms. Minchew said the cat was fine now and ready to be adopted. Ms. Minchew also told the tour that feral cats were taken to the “Feral Cat Colony” located at the Talley Road “ranch.” Ms. Minchew told the tour there were about 400 animals at Talley Road.

Please amend my complaint regarding the new tigers from Ohio to include the above information.

The high number of animal deaths, in such a short period of time, is alarming and I pray the USDA/APHIS will look into the situation before there is more loss of life at this facility. If you require a copy of the DVD, please let me know and I will mail your Office a copy.

Please contact me if you have any questions concerning my original package or my subsequent addendums. I can be reached at (210) 647-1789. Thank you very much for your time and consideration.

                                                                        Sincerely,

                                                                        Kristina M. Brunner

November 27, 2007

Fw: Call to Action - Missing Potbellied Pigs

Call to Action - Missing Potbellied Pigs

Tuesday, November 27, 2007 9:01:41 PM

From:

"USAPSPCA@aol.com" <USAPSPCA@aol.com>

To:

"" <USAPSPCA@aol.com>, "" <banks_marj@comcast.net>

Call to Action - Missing Potbellied Pigs

Dear US Animal Protection Members:

Please find below an important message below regarding a wild animal sanctuary currently under investigation by the USDA and Texas Office of the Attorney General.

ALERT: As many of you know, US Animal Protection launched into an investigation regarding the care and treatment of the exotic wild animals living in San Antonio , Texas . The Animal Sanctuary of the United States (dba The Wild Animal Orphanage (WAO)) claims to have hundred of exotic wild animals on two properties (one regulated by the USDA and the other property is unregulated). The regulated property has approximately 123 animals and an animal care technician claims to have 450 animals at the unregulated property.

Several years ago, an animal lover rescued 100+ potbellied pigs from a dire situation. Here is an account of what transpired, as told by the rescuer:

“It took me 3 months to do that rescue and ran close to $10,000. All the local TV channels and newspapers from three parishes covered the story over the entire time, and helped me get donations.

Out of the donated funds, I paid to have all the pigs blood tested and tagged, the neutering of the 40 to 45 males, paid for some of the feed and hay bills for the months the pigs were at the shelter (I bought hay, feed, vegetables, and fruit for them also during that time out of my own pocket), and paid for the transport of the pigs as well as other animals (wolves, foxes, a Capuchin monkey with his little security blanket, and I can't remember who else) from another abuse case in an adjoining parish's animal control shelter. Wild Animal Orphanage had agreed to take all of these animals. There was no funding for the animals from the other parish, but Carol and Ron Asvestas told me they would need $4,500.00 up front to cover the cost of constructing a new barn for the pigs and to fence off the acreage the pigs would be living on. WAO was paid the $4,500.00 as agreed.

Carol promised the pigs and I that the pigs would have several grassy acres with lots of shade trees to live out their lives in peace and quiet. I specifically requested, and was promised that the pigs would be able to remain together as the familiarity of their herd members was the only sense of security and safety the pigs had ever known in their short little lives. Several months after the pigs were in San Antonio , I sent $500 of my personal funds to WAO and later sent 3 pieces of my jewelry for which Carol told me WAO got an additional $1,500.00.

I was in contact with Carol Asvestas for years after the pigs arrived in San Antonio via phone and email. I repeatedly asked for photos of the pigs and was always promised pictures but never received. All I ever got was her pat answer, "They're fine!" I heard different rumors along the way about WAO and my pigs and other animals and every time I would ask Carol to give me proof with photos or a video of the pigs to quiet any rumors and to rest my own anxieties, Carol would always want names and would always threaten to sue me or anyone else saying
anything derogatory about WAO. Carol wrote to me and told me that the "beautiful barn" had been completed. Again, I requested photos, but never given any. According to the news story, Carol now says the barn was built, but they later tore it down. She certainly never conveyed that to me.

Carol told me some months after the arrival of the pigs at WAO that she sent about half of them to a board member who lived near by. She said she kept the rest. She would never give me a name or address, but said the pigs were close by and she could and did check on them regularly and "they were fine!" Much later on, she said all the pigs were sent to two different board member's homes, but again, the pigs were nearby, as always, "They're fine!"

I was told at one point by one person that Carol said she "got rid of them" when asked how the pigs were doing, and later told by someone else that Ron had been seen loading all the pigs up on a truck not long after they arrived at WAO. I was told a few pigs could not be caught and they may still be there at WAO, but I have found no one to this day who has said they have seen them. I was told while the pigs were seen by workers at WAO being loaded onto a truck; no one at the sanctuary was ever told where Ron took the pigs to that day.

For almost 8 years now, this has haunted me. I can't begin to tell you the guilt I feel for letting those babies down if anything has happened to them. It has been torture not knowing their whereabouts or if they are even alive or dead. Other than to take in a few pigs and other animals myself, I can no longer bring myself to do rescue work if I can't personally take the animals.

TAKE ACTION: The circumstances surrounding the pigs disappearance is very disturbing as the US Animal Protection discovered a lot of animals went to the same property where the pigs were supposed to live and many of those animals have also disappeared. According to court records, Ms. Asvestas claimed the pigs went to “two ranches.” And recently, when Ms. Asvestas was questioned by the San Antonio Lightning, she claimed she did not know where the animals went and would have to “check her records.” Even though she could not remember where the animals went, she told the editor that the pigs were “in a good place.” I’ve heard this quote before as adults tend to use this statement when explaining the death of an animal to a child – “don’t worry, honey, he’s gone to a good place.” See San Antonio Lightening story here: http://www.sanantoniolightning.com/francis.html (scroll to the 90 Pig Mystery story)

The fate of the potbellied pigs is long overdue and it is time the WAO provides the public with a response to a very general question – where are the pigs? Now you may wonder, why US Animal Protection is interested in the fate of the potbellied pigs? What’s the big deal about the pigs? Simple – US Animal Protection supports and defends the smallest creatures that cannot speak out for them selves. US Animal Protection has reason to believe a horrible crime has been perpetrated against these little guys and it is time for the WAO to be held accountable for its actions. Please take a moment to send an e-mail to the WAO requesting the location and post current dated photos of the pigs on its website. It is time to put this issue to rest, once and for all. If the WAO has nothing to hide, then the WAO should be more than willing to post an updated story and photos on the pigs’ whereabouts and condition on its website. Here is a sample e-mail content, which my be copied and pasted into an e-mail to: wao@stic.net:

Dear Ms. Carol Asvestas:

I am very concerned about the 100+ potbellied pigs the Wild Animal Orphanage took in several years ago. Your organization agreed to provide the 100+ potbellied pigs a permanent home at your facility. It is now reported, the potbellied pigs are no longer living at the Wild Animal Orphanage and the circumstance regarding the location of the pigs is unclear.

Many people placed animals in your care, expecting the animals would receive life-long quality care at the WAO. It saddens me to learn the pigs may have been relocated or suffered a worse fate, after promises were made for quality life-long care was made to the public by way of media news coverage.

I, and many others, would like to know the fate of the 100+ potbellied pigs that used to reside at the WAO. Please provide an updated story and current dated photos of the pigs residing at their new home on your website. You claim to have about 10 potbellied pigs on your property – so where are the 90+ potbellied pigs? If you could also include pictures of your 10 pigs living in their new and improved home, it would go a long way of instituting good faith within the animal rescue community. Thank you.

Sincerely,

[insert your name]

Thank you so much for taking the time to send this e-mail to the WAO. Hopefully, if everyone takes a moment to contact this facility, we can achieve our desired outcome – accountability for the 100+ potbellied pigs. See attached photo of the pigs’ temporary “quality” home at the WAO. This photo was taken prior to the animals’ disappearance. This is why we do what we do – support and defend the animals in their time of crisis.

November 29, 2007

From: "Domby, Adam" <Adam.Domby@mail.house.gov>
To: Kristina Brunner
Sent: Thu, November 29, 2007 11:57:09 AM
Subject: RE: Investigation into the Wild Animal Orphanage (Animal Sanctuary of the United States)

Dear Mrs. Brunner,

I wanted to touch base with you. I have been reading over the files you sent me and am discussing with other staff members options that we can pursue on this issue. I wanted to let you know we have not forgotten you. I will try to call you later this week or next about the issue. Also has there been any change by the county, or other agencies regarding the group?

-Adam

Before Blog (BB) Notebook

Friday, October 1, 2010

October - November 2007

Animal groups rescue abandoned lions and tigers from Ohio woman

Call to Action - Missing Potbellied Pigs

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