PETA files appeal with USDA concerning “The Camel Farm”

PETA said it filed an appeal with the U.S. Department of Agriculture stating that the agency is violating the Freedom of Information Act by not releasing evidence related to “The Camel Farm” in Yuma.

PETA said the USDA is withholding photographs, videos and other records from nine months of inspections. PETA said “The Camel Farm” had more than 30 violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act during that time.

“Any roadside zoo that allows an animal to drop dead in her cage without veterinary care should be embarrassed and so should the USDA for allowing this hellhole to stay open,” says PETA Foundation Vice President and Deputy General Counsel Delcianna Winders. “The USDA should be enforcing the law, not shielding lawbreakers from scrutiny, and PETA will keep fighting for access to vital information, including these records.”

News 11 reached out to the USDA but we have not heard back for comment. The last time we spoke to the owners of “The Camel Farm” they told us they take care of all the animals on the facility as best as possible, and that they don’t believe the accusations are accurate.

PETA said among other violations, the roadside zoo was cited for failing to provide a host of animals with adequate veterinary care, including Shyla, a coatimundi who was left to languish for months with a swollen eye that was sticking out of the socket and who later had to be euthanized as well as an underweight ibex whose hip bones were protruding and who was found dead two weeks later, according to PETA.