LOS ANGELES (KMJ) — The ‘People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals’ are angry with the Los Angeles zoo.
They’ve accused the zoo of breaking Federal law, and have cited the Animal Welfare Act. The 1966 legislation states that barriers should be in place to separate potentially dangerous animals from visitors.
The animal rights group say hippos have killed more people than any other mammal in Africa, and that they’ve already contacted the USDA calling for an investigation into the practice.
In a statement, the Los Angeles Zoo state that “the encounter does not violate the Animal Welfare Act. The safety and welfare of both our animals and zoo guests is always our number one priority.”
The Central Valley’s Fresno Chaffee Zoo say that they always remain cautious if ever they allow visitors to touch the animals.
