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USDA Again Cites Michigan Animal Sanctuary For Violations

BROWN CITY, Mich. (WWJ/AP) - A Michigan animal sanctuary has received more violations in a report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

The February inspection report cites Summer Wind Farms Sanctuary for inadequate veterinary care and enclosures, noting that a 25-week-old tiger was being kept in a home's basement, according to The Times Herald of Port Huron.

Sanctuary CEO Chuck Vanneste says the tiger was kept inside to keep it from the cold, and that its previous owners gave it up after it outgrew its use for photos.

The Brown City sanctuary has received more than 150 violations since January 2014 for noncompliance. The USDA filed a formal complaint against the sanctuary in January, and Vanneste says the sanctuary has filed a response and is negotiating with the agency.

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 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 This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.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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