FLORIDA FISH AND CONSERVATION COMMISSION DIVISION OF LAW ENFORCEMENT CAPTIVE WILDLIFE INSPECTIONS FORM

Ref #: FWSW13OFF8751 Inspection Date: 07/25/2013 Time: 3:00PM Classes: I II III County: Hillsborough Activity: ESA ESB ESC Ven ROC PPL PPNC Rehab

Permittee: Carole A. Baskin DOB: 06/06/1961 Business Name: Sex: M F Phone: (Business) 813-920-4130 (Emergency) Same Mailing Address: 12802 Easy Street Facility Address (if different): Same City Tampa State FL Zip 33625 City Tampa State FL Zip 33625 Location Lat/Lon: N ° . W ° . Email:

Inspecting Officer: Lt. Steve DeLacure / Inv II. Daryl Amerson Person Accompanying: Carole A. Baskin Reason for Inspection: Initial Routine Complaint Follow Up Previous Problems NOT Corrected Complaint #: 8751 Nature of complaint: Exceeding the 180 time limit for rehabbed animals.

Citation Issued: No. (1) N/A Warning Issued: No. (1) N/A Violation(s): No violations noted previous violations have been corrected.

CHECKLIST: (For those marked explain in comments below) 1). Sufficient perimeter FENCE NOT provided 11). NO Safety entrance for CLASS 1 & 2 wildlife 2). Enclosures DO NOT MEET/EXCEED caging requirements 12). PERIMETER/BARRIER fences NOT provided If not, provide date of acquisition 13). Complete WRITTEN records NOT kept up to date as required 3). Animals NOT PERMANENTLY marked - VR, ROC, other 14). FOOD & WATER containers NOT clean 4). Cage doors NOT key LOCKED 15). Proper DIET not provided per species 5). Cages, Paddocks, pools appear NOT to have been CLEANED, 16). FOOD SPOILED or CONTAMINATED for any animal RAKED, SCRUBBED, & DISINFECTED within prescribed 17). INSUFFICIENT food & water schedules 18). Transport cages DO NOT MEET transport requirements 6). Fecal & food waste NOT properly STORED/DISPOSED OF 19). INFANTS/JUVENILES only at this time 7). Enclosures DO NOT provide adequate surface water drainage 20). ELEPHANT ride without required authorization 8). Animals DO NOT appear to be HEALTHY (not including rehab) 21). NO Critical Incident/Disaster Plan 9). NOT free of wounds, injuries, skin irritations (not incl. rehab) 22). Contact information for contiguous land owners/neighbors NOT in 10). Animals NOT PROVIDED adequate protection from extremes Critical Incident/Disaster Plan (Class I possessors) Of Temp 23). CIDP – Part B – NOT on site Of Weather

CURRENT INVENTORY (Species): See attachment regarding the inventory at this facility.

COMMENTS: On September 6, 2012, Investigator 2 James Manson and I (Investigator 2 Daryl Amerson), were assigned a captive wildlife complaint/inspection at 12802 Easy Street in Tampa, Florida. The facility is commonly known as Big Cat Rescue, Inc. The licensee for this facility is Ms. Carole Baskin. Over the last several years, there have been repetitive complaints, primarily, third-hand, hear- say complaints, alleged via email, by several complainants. The complaints allege that Baskin continues to violate state captive wildlife laws, and further, that the Commissions’ commercial trade investigators, fail to take proper actions.

The natures of these complaints are summarized below:

 Live Stream internet feeds of native FL wildlife under active wildlife rehabilitation, are offered for public view, via the internet.  Feeding of live prey animals to predatory wildlife under active wildlife rehabilitation, in violation of Animal Cruelty Statutes. FWCDLE 602 (01/10) Page 1 of 7  Facility perimeter fencing does not meet state requirements.  Emergency evacuation plan for the facility.  Flooding of animal enclosures and failure to meet minimum structural strength requirements for captive wildlife.  Concerns of escape of large Felids from the facility.  FWC’s Plan of action for an escaped animal from this facility.  Facility has been issued numerous warnings and is continuing to operate a substandard facility.

On September 12, 2012, Investigator 2 James Manson, Captain Leandro Isambert, and I, conducted a thorough facility inspection and focused on the aforementioned allegations/assertions that continue to be made. We made contact with the permittee, Baskin and explained the current complaint allegations. Baskin escorted us into her facility so that we could address the complaints made against this facility.

 Live Stream internet feeds of wildlife under current wildlife rehabilitation:

There is one live feed of a bobcat on www.youtubecom/watch?v=0w7pmuvDmo which is of a bobcat named “Hope.” This site, at one time, was posted on a protected site. Prior to this occurring, unknown person(s) have reposted it under the above link. Baskin has no control over this video. It is to be noted that the feed was done prior to the facility receiving a written warning. Several of the web sites links listed by the complainant, appear to not be under the care and control of Big Cat Rescue, Inc. Other live web sites listed by complainant are as follows: http://bigcatrescue.org/2010/bobcat-kittens-the-outside-world Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. http://www.youtube.com/user/BigCatRescue/videos?sort=dd&view=0&page=4 Bobcat is not under wildlife rehabilitation.. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb2dwl7z2PA Marked private , non- violation. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oW7pmvv_Dmo Marked private, non- violation. http://vimeo.com/channels/bigcatrescue/14805317 Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xeqtoe_bobcat-kittens-the-outside-world_animals Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. http://www.dailymotion.com/video/xe32wo_bobcat-kittens-vs-rats-chicks-mice_animals Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. http://www.fight.tv/videosection/tag/Bobcat%20Kitten Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. http://www.openfilm.com/videos/bobcat-kittens-the-outside-world/ Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. www.bigcatrescue.org Bobcat “ Rufus”, non- native, originated from South Carolina. [email protected] Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. http://zomobo.net/graphic-world-live Not Big Cat Rescue site. http://www.rtbot.net/graphic_world_live Not Big Cat Rescue site. http://www.stupidvideos.com/video/animals/Bobcat_Kittens__2011_Rehab_UPDATE/#334552 Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama.

FWCDLE 602 (01/10) Page 2 of 7 http://bigcatrescue.wordpress.com/2010/09/08/bobcat-kittens-the-outside-world/#more-5822 Bobcats “Midnight, Rain and Storm,” were non- native, originated from Alabama. http://article.wn.com/view/2012/07/03/Fla_inmate_released_to_nursing_home_p/ Not Big Cat Rescue site. http://wn.com/big_cat_rescue,_this_video_shows_scenes_of_live_animal_predation Not an animal under wildlife rehabilitation. http://bigcatrescuer.blogspot.com/2010_09_01_archive.html Removed, non- viewable. http://www.viddler.com/profile/bigcatrescue Alabama bobcats and South Carolina bobcat as listed above. [email protected] Not Big Cat Rescue personal photographer web site. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msK0ISCdPe0 Bobcat “ Faith” released was placed prior to FWC warning Baskin’s has blocked this site now. She was unaware of this site still out on the internet.

Lieutenant George Wilson of the Internet Crime Unit will be conducting a thorough search and date collection to attempt the verify ownership and control of these web site links. To include the date and posting of same.

 Feeding of live prey to wildlife under active wildlife rehabilitation in violation of Florida Animal Cruelty laws:

The Commission’s command staff has reviewed this matter and have consulted with the State Attorney’s Office, Hillsborough County, and the State Attorney declined to file any formal charges for animal cruelty stating that it was not in violation of this Florida Statute. The prey items (rabbits) are purchased from a facility/vendor that propagates these animals as consumptive food product. These rabbits are not intended for the pet trade industry. Big Cat Rescue uses these live prey items to hone the rehabbed animals skills and instincts for future release into the wild, an industry standard practice.

 Perimeter fencing does not meet state requirements:

The perimeter fencing (Commonly called Rhino Fencing) traverses the 55 plus acre facility with no break or damage of same. The perimeter fencing meets/exceeds the minimum standard requirements for this purpose.

 Emergency evacuation plan for the facility:

Permittee, Baskin, maintains an FWC Critical Incident/Disaster Plan on file with the Commission as required. Baskin has an additional standard operational plan for site security, evacuation medical emergency for animals and humans, accordingly.

 Flooding of animal enclosures and failure to meet structural strength of same as required by state law for captive wildlife:

There are low lying areas at this facility and run off and drainage issues have been addressed. Flooding of the enclosures and structure failure is not an accurate statement depicting the status of the enclosures at this facility. In fact, the caging enclosures on this facility meet and/or exceed state captive wildlife requirements for Class I and II Felidae.

FWCDLE 602 (01/10) Page 3 of 7

 Escape of large Felidae in Tampa:

Permittee Baskin has chemical immobilization equipment on site as well as lethal devices to address an escape. The Commission’s Commercial Trade Investigators are equipped and trained with chemical immobilization equipment as well as lethal devices. Public safety is paramount to the Commission and immediate and situationally appropriate action would take place if an animal breached the boundary fencing of this facility. It should be also noted that Hillsborough County Sheriff Office, District 3 Substation, Citrus Park, is located within close proximity to Big Cat Rescue, Inc. This Law enforcement office is well aware of the facility’s existence, and would also respond and deal immediately with a breach at this facility.

 FWC’s Plan of action for an escape animal from this facility:

FWC uniformed patrol would immediately respond to this facility and establish a perimeter. Investigators would respond along with local law enforcement agencies in this area. Again, public safety is paramount and will be the primary concern.

 Facility issued numerous warnings and operating a substandard facility:

The warning for the live feed was issued by Lieutenant DeLacure for a bobcat identified as “Hope.” “Hope” is not native to the state of Florida. The live video of bobcat, “ Skip” was placed on a live feed, and is the bobcat native to Florida. Lt. DeLacure simply identified and listed the wrong named animal.

The facility was inspected by Investigator Manson and Amerson this same date, and the issues mentioned in the complaints were readdressed. The enclosures housing the captive wildlife, meet/exceed the state captive wildlife requirements for their respective classes. Safety entrance(s) to each enclosure are provided for class I and II animals. There are nesting boxes/dens, elevated platforms, items, natural foliage, automatic watering system provided in the respective enclosures. A completed inventory, to include birth and deaths, has been provided.

All animals housed at this facility appear to be healthy and free of any injuries. There is fresh food and water supplied to all animals that are housed at this facility. The veterinarian of record is Dr. Wynn. On-site records reveal that during Dr. Wynn’s last facility visit, that all animals were listed in good ambient health. Licensure and additional facility records, inclusive of Critical Incident Disaster Plan, were up to date and maintained by licensee, Baskin, and staff.

Next facility inspection will occur within a six month calendar period. There were no violations noted during this bi-annual inventory and facility inspection, and focused follow-up to complaint allegations. The specific allegations listed in this latest complaint are repetitive and unfounded. A follow-up report regarding a web site links is forth coming from the Internet Crime Unit of the Commission under Lieutenant George Wilson’s supervision.

On July 19, 2013, I, (Investigator Daryl Amerson) was assigned a complaint regarding Big Cat Rescue located at 12802 Easy Street in Tampa, Florida. This assignment was made by Captain Isambert the Investigative Supervisor of Southwest Region. This assignment regarding Big Cat Rescue has been a series of complaints made via email by . FWCDLE 602 (01/10) Page 4 of 7

The complainant has been identified as who resides at . has made numerous complaints against Big Cat Rescue in the past regarding operations and treatment of animals along with concerns that the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission allows Big Cat Rescue to violate state wildlife laws. has inferred, via repetitive emails, that Investigators/ Inspectors are not doing the sworn duties of enforcing state captive wildlife laws of the state of Florida at this facility. infers that the Commission’s Office of Inspector General failed to respond in a helpful manner regarding here allegations listed in a previous complaint made against Big Cat Rescue.

The new complaint made by was directed to the Commission’s Executive Director the Honorable Nick Wiley. Executive Director Wiley informed the Division of Law Enforcement about the alleged violations occurring at Big Cat Rescue. Command staff of the Division of Law Enforcement once more directed local investigative members of Southwest Region to once more investigate the allegations listed in complaint that was received by Executive Director Wiley.

The complaint made by has several old items listed and has been investigated fully by the Commission Investigative team and they were listed as unfounded. has however added new concerns to recent complaint and they are as follows:

 Big Cat Rescue (BCR) publicizes a standard 18 month Bobcat Rehab Program.  Listed The National Bobcat Rescue & Research Foundation stating by this facility’s standards she is concerned of imprinting of the rehabbed animals.  Big Cat Rescue’s Wildlife Rehabilitation program’s main goal is to release the bobcats into the wild once they have gone through an 18 month rehabilitation program.  list concerns for a rehabbed bobcat named Khaleesi at Big Cat Rescue undergoing rehab at this facility.  quotes FAC code listing the 180 day time frame for release of rehabbed wildlife.  continue to express concerns for live rabbits being used at Big Cat Rescue for rehabbed bobcats.  listed concerns with cameras effective the animal’s well being at Big Cat Rescue.

All other complaints listed in email complaint are old, and repetitive complaints of old issues that have been addressed in past investigative inquires at Big Cat Rescue. The finding made by Commission’s law enforcement personnel met negative results except for one warning issued for exhibition of rehabbed animals. Big Cat Rescue, have since obtained an special authorization permit from Executive Director Wiley to allow for the use of live streaming /web cams of the wildlife under the rehabilitation process.

The complainant also inquired as to how one can be allowed to do this when there is a Florida Administrative Code that prohibits this activity? The Florida State Constitution, specifically Article 4, Section 9, gives the Executive Director of the Commission the power to issue such special authorization permit for this activity.

On July 25, 2013, Lieutenant Steve DeLacure and I, (Daryl Amerson) went to Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Florida. Upon our arrival we made contact with Ms. Baskin and Murdock. Both Baskin and Murdock was made aware of the reason for our presence at their facility this date. Baskin, Murdock, DeLacure and I went inside of this business office at Big Cat Rescue to conduct a facility record review of the rehabilitation portion of this facility. Jamie Murdock is the primary person who oversees the rehabilitation of wildlife at this facility.

Murdock was asked about the general length of time an animal is in rehab at this facility. Murdock stated that it depends on the injury of said animal and how the animal response to treatment that is given. Murdock was asked if she was aware of the time line in FAC code for rehabbed animals. Murdock stated yes and replied the

FWCDLE 602 (01/10) Page 5 of 7 time frame is 180 days. Murdock further stated that when a rehabilitation will exceed the 180 day time frame she will have medical documentation from a licensed veterinarian supporting same and that information if past to her local inspector for approval. The Commission reviews these documents on a case by case bases and these documents are retained at the permitted facility. The Commission does not maintain a copy of medical treatment of rehabbed animals. These medical documents are made readily available to Commission law enforcement personnel for review at any time from a licensed facility; however are retained by the facility.

expressed concerns about imprinting by human contact occurring with the bobcats at this facility along with cameras being intrusive to the animals. The facility has very limited contact with the animal under wildlife rehabilitation except for medical treatment and vaccinations of said animal when applicable. The feeding of the animals occurs through a chute system that is several feet in length thus reducing human contact with a rehabbed animal. The camera at this enclosure is place outside of same and is located where it is not intrusive to said rehabbed animals. No talking is allowed while working adjacent to the rehabilitation enclosure at Big Cat Rescue.

made reference to a bobcat named Khaleesi and had concerns about the time frame of the animal at the facility remaining at same until the spring of 2014. Big Cat Rescue received this animal from Crow Rehab Center in Fort Myers, Florida, on June 24, 2013. Murdock and Baskin estimates the animal was born on or around April 2013. Their determination was based on the size and development of the animal. This animal is very small and will be undergoing rehabilitation at Big Cat Rescue for a future successful release into the wild. No one can place an exact timeframe the animal will be released that will be determined by a licensed medical veterinarian and the assigned inspector of this facility.

Big Cat Rescue makes an attempt to release all rehabbed animals during the spring when natural pray is most abundant for the animal. The animal is generally released in the area from which it was taken from the wild. Alternate sites of release have occurred only after receiving permission for their local inspector. Big Cat Rescue veterinarians Doctor Wynn and Boorstein are on retainer for care and treatment of all wildlife housed at this facility.

made reference to practices of the National Bobcat Rescue & Research Foundation located at 11605 County Road 2321 in Terrell, Texas. This facility is operated by Valeri Marler who started this facility in 2008 out of concerns for the bobcats in the state of Texas. Marler has extensive experience dealing with bobcats; however, I have not been able to verify if she has authored any studies on bobcats in the wild or in captivity. There are however numerous research papers on the study of bobcats. Each one varies on the behavior and the predatory nature of the bobcat, but in general, details the same behaviors in various locations throughout the United States.

The National Bobcat Rescue & Research Foundation is not a board of any city, county, state or federal governing authority and is simply a private individual express her belief on the treatment of bobcats. This is no different than Baskin and Murdock at Big Cat Rescue. Facility practices vary from facility to facility. No one is wrong, nor right, in the practices that work best for said facility.

The record review of Big Cat Rescue of their rehabilitation of animals is in compliance with the state of Florida rehabilitation laws set forth through Florida Administrative codes. Any time a rehabbed animal will exceed the 180 day time frame Big Cat Rescue, has medical documentation from a licensed veterinarian expressing the medial reason why the limit needs to exceed set time frame. Commission personnel is made aware of same before this facility is allowed to exceed the established limits set forth in law. The complaint made against Big Cat Rescue is unfounded, no violations were noted during this investigative inquiry. Additionally, the FL Administrative Code regulating wildlife rehabilitation was furnished to the BCR organization.

FWCDLE 602 (01/10) Page 6 of 7  Big Cat Rescue (BCR) publicizes a standard 18 month Bobcat Rehab Program. UNFOUNDED  Listed The National Bobcat Rescue & Research Foundation stating by this facility’s standards she is concerned of imprinting of the rehabbed animals. UNFOUNDED  Big Cat Rescue main goal is to release the bobcats into the wild once they have gone through an 18 month rehabilitation program. UNFOUNDED  list concerns for a rehabbed bobcat named Khaleesi at Big Cat Rescue undergoing rehab at this facility. UNFOUNDED  quotes FAC code listing the 180 day time frame for release of rehabbed wildlife. UNFOUNDED  continue to express concerns for live rabbits being used at Big Cat Rescue for rehabbed bobcats. UNFOUNDED  listed concerns with cameras effective the animal’s well being at Big Cat Rescue. UNFOUNDED

Carole A. Baskin Permittee/Owner Recipient Recipient Title Inspecting Officer All Discrepancies Explained to Recipient Appropriate Copies of Regs Given or Possessed

FWCDLE 602 (01/10) Page 7 of 7