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Michigan Animal Sanctuary Cited Again For Federal Violations

BROWN CITY, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - An animal sanctuary in eastern Michigan has been cited again for violating the federal Animal Welfare Act.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture's recent report inspection found several violations of animal health and living standards at Summer Wind Farms Sanctuary in Brown City. The inspection recommended daily observations of all animals, along with "extra scrutiny" for animals with known problems.

Summer Wind Farms CEO Chuck Vanneste tells the Times Herald that the agency is being overly harsh about "every little thing."

The USDA accused Summer Wind Farms in a January complaint of issues dating back to November 2012, as well as noncompliance with the Animal Welfare Act over the past two years.

The animal sanctuary also has been criticized by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals.

The sanctuary, about 55 miles north of Detroit, has tigers, bears, monkeys, alpaca and foxes that were once pets, mascots, movie extras or roadside attractions.

Vanneste has said many of the animals would have been euthanized if Summer Wind Farms hadn't taken them in. He said the animals in the sanctuary's care are treated humanely, but they often arrive old, sick or even abused.

TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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