Controversy at Northgate Mall Over Use of Cubs

COLERAIN TOWNSHIP, OH (FOX19) –

There is controversy over a cat exhibit this weekend at Northgate Mall.

The ‘Big Cats Live Tour’ is runs through Oct. 23 and features cubs, lemurs and more.

According to the mall’s website, the event brings awareness to exotic animals that are kept as pets then abandoned.

Visitors will also have an opportunity to have their picture taken with some of the animals.

However, controversy is brewing because the event’s exhibitor, Joe Schreibvogel, of Oklahoma, was fined $25,000 in 2006 for violating the Animal Welfare Act, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. He was also cited for failure to provide adequate veterinary care in September of this year.

According to FOX25 in Oklahoma City, Schreibvogel was also the subject of an investigation resulting in the deaths of 23 baby tigers. He told FOX25 it was a problem with the formula, but the FDA found no fault with it.

FOX19 has left a message with Northgate Mall seeking comment.