THIS MATTER HAS BEEN CONTINUED FOR 2 WEEKS WHILE THE COUNTY COMMISSION AND KEITH EVANS TRY TO WORK OUT NEGOTIATIONS. SEE BOTTOM FOR UPDATE INFORMATION.

The Lion Habitat Ranch, aka “Lion Photo Studios,” is a roadside zoo in Henderson, Nevada which breeds and exhibits over 40 lions that are kept in substandard cages and used for photos and other dangerous opportunities for unsafe public interactions. The Commission is attempting to revoke The Lion Habitat's permit, and we the people back this action. This matter will go before the Commission on March 4, 2015.

Keith Evans, owner of Las Vegas Lion Habitat shows reckless behavior and failed to stay within the guidelines of the law. Keith Evans has recently been cited by the USDA 2.131 Handling of animals. The USDA felt Keith Evans was placing the animals and the public in danger. This violation should not have occurred as Keith is a longtime owner of big cats and is accredited by the ZAA. Keith has a very clear understanding of the laws which he is to comply with. Keith also has violated a permit which allowed him to have only 40 animals in his possession and now he has over 45 animals.

Keith keeps breeding his big cats to offer a steady supply of cubs. Cubs are a vital asset to places like Las Vegas's Lion Habitat as lions and other big cats may only lawfully be used for direct public contact until they are about 12 weeks of age. This means Keith can use the cubs for photo opportunities and bring in more customers. Exploiting animals for profit is not in the best interest of the animals. Keith had a cub that he treats like a dog. Keith allowed an unrestrained lion cub to roam the front yard of the facility, playing with Keith's own personal pet dog. These are wild animals and should be properly treated as so.

Keith has stated numerous times over the past few years he is struggling to feed the cats he has, yet he continues to breed his cats to create more cubs to try to bring in more people.

This matter is being address by the county itself and the issues they feel are a concern. We ask the public to show support for the individuals submitting the revocation request for the safety of the public and the animals as well.

SPONSOR: Commissioner Sisolak

BACKGROUND: UC-0266-99 was approved by the Planning Commission in April 1999 for an exotic animal compound in conjunction with a single family residence. At the time, the applicant requested to have a maximum of 40 animals on-site with different groups of animals being transported to the MGM Grand Resort Hotel on a daily basis. This application was approved with a 10 year review and maximum of 40 animals over one year of age at any time. The first extension of time, UC-0266-99 (ET -0048-09), was approved by the PC in April 2009 with the condition until April 8, 2024 to review as a public hearing. Several conditions of approval were required with the extension of time, one of which included the following: exotic animal enclosures must be set in a designated area on the property that is not accessible to unauthorized pedestrian or vehicle traffic.

 In December 2010, UC-0531-10 was approved by the PC for a recreational facility (zoo) with accessory commercial uses and a minor training facility. The purpose of the application was to allow private and public tours of the exotic animal (lion) compound in conjunction with a single family residence. This application was approved for 5 years to review, and an extension of time, UC-0531-10 (ET-0117-14), was submitted and is currently on hold until the March 18, 2015 BCC meeting. ZV -11971-14 is an open and active zoning violation for the addition of different species (giraffe) of animals to the facility.

 There are concerns about the operation and safety of the facility since an unrestrained lion cub is allowed to roam the front yard of the facility, and customers are allowed beyond the security fences around the animal enclosures in order to feed the lions. These activities could jeopardize the health, safety, and welfare of customers and people in the surrounding area.

 Pursuant to Section 30.04.160 of the Clark County Code, the failure to abide by and faithfully comply with the Clark County Code, any applicable NRS requirement, or with any and all conditions attached to the granting of a land use application shall constitute grounds for the revocation of an approved land use application. Accordingly,

 Staff recommends that the Board of County Commissioners determine if there exists sufficient cause to commence proceedings for the revocation of UC-0266-99 and UC-0531-10, that the Board direct Staff to issue notice in accordance with the requirements of Section 30.04.160 if a determination is made, and that Staff

 schedule a public hearing before the Board to consider whether application UC-0266-99 and UC-053 1-10 should be revoked.

 Respectfully Submitted, NANCY AMUNDSEN Director, Comprehensive PIanning

http://www.mynews3.com/content/news/story/The-number-of-animals-at-Lion-Habitat-concerns/vC7UdgpmQ0ODkn39j9cJYg.cspx

 

UPDATE: March 6, 2015

Commissioner Sisolak extended this matter for 2 weeks to allow negotiations to occur between the Commission and Keith Evans. In a current interview Commissioner Sisolak stated Keith Evans agreed to the conditions attached to the special use permit when it was granted. The condition was there were to be no more than 40 large animals on the property. Commissioner Sisolak stated at one time, Keith Evans had an excess of 50 large animals on the property. To date, there is between 49-51 large animals, with 46 of these being lions. There are concerns by the Commission that the Lion Habitat has become a breeding facility. Commissioner Sisolak states a significant amount of breeding is occurring at the Lion Habitat Ranch. Animal Control states Keith Evans has to stop breeding the cats. The County Commissioners Office does not know where some of the cubs and other lions which used to reside at the Ranch have gone. The Commission does not know if Keith Evans has sold these animals or traded them as there is was no documentation given to the County Commissioner's Office. Commissioner Sisolak states they are unaware of the actual number of cubs produced at the Ranch as the Commission has pictures of one litter of seven cubs, another of five cubs. Commissioner Sisolak stated he does not know where all the cubs are coming from, where they are at because there is no documentation given to the Commissioner's Office. There is no documentation as to which lions are being bred. The County Commissioner's Office has significant amount of pictures and evidence Keith Evans is doing a lot of breeding.  

Another concern is the non-compliance with the USDA/APHIS citation issued in November 2014. After APHIS issued a citation in November 2014, they came back later and inspected the Ranch a second time regarding no housing for the giraffe and Keith was told at that time he needed to build a facility to house the giraffe.

Keith Evans also has no safety plan in place which is required by the Commissioner's Office.

Clark County Commission expects Keith Evans to comply with the special use permit which Keith agreed to by reducing the number of cats to under 40. Clark County Commission expects all cats to be spayed and neutered with proper documentation to be kept.

During a meeting between Commissioner Sisolak and Keith Evans on December 3, 2014, Commissioner Sisolak asked Keith Evans to not use social media to plead their cause. Keith Evans stated on Lion Habitat Ranch Facebook page he gave his word they would not use the media and requested followers to do the same until March 18, 2015. However, on February 26, 2015, Keith promoted a petition created by a guest at the park to help "Save the Ranch" despite giving his word to Commissioner Sisolak he would not use social media. As well Keith Evans continues to do numerous news interviews regarding the issue between him and the County as well as giving the news the link to the petition. Through this action, Keith Evans is showing he is not abiding by the Commission's request once again.

We will keep the public updated when negotiations end.