Justice for the Sloths — End Wildlife Attractions in Strip Malls

I have spent years building the clubs and societies in this plaza — real communities, built with real work, real people, and real heart. And right next door, a facility was preparing to open that never should have been allowed in the first place. A strip mall is not a zoo. It is not a sanctuary. It is not a place for wild animals to be displayed, mishandled, or treated like props for profit.

 

Now we know the truth: more than 30 sloths connected to Sloth World are dead, and several others are missing and presumed dead. State investigative reports describe animals kept in unpermitted spaces, exposed to cold temperatures, deprived of proper food, water, and veterinary care, and housed in conditions that violated even the most basic welfare standards.

 

Filing bankruptcy does not erase moral responsibility. Businesses can walk away from debts, but they cannot walk away from the consequences of neglect. These animals had no voice, no protection, and no second chance. The people responsible had a duty, and that duty was not met.

 

And I will say this clearly, because it needs to be said: NEGLECT IS MURDER. When living creatures die because basic care was withheld — heat, food, water, veterinary attention — that is not a business issue. That is not a paperwork problem. That is neglect, and neglect kills.

 
Florida Has Already Acted Before — Now It Must Act Again

Florida communities have already taken action to stop cruelty in retail settings. Dozens of cities and counties across the state banned the sale of puppies and kittens in pet stores because of the well‑documented connection to puppy mills and abusive commercial breeders. These laws were passed for one reason:

 

Storefronts and strip malls are not appropriate places for animals who require proper care.

 

If Florida recognized that dogs and cats were suffering in these environments, then the same principle must apply to exotic wildlife like sloths.

 

So why were wild sloths allowed to be kept in a warehouse and a strip mall?

Why were permits issued?

Why were warnings ignored?

Why did dozens of animals have to die before anyone stepped in?

 

This should never have been allowed to happen — not next door to my clubs, not in this community, not anywhere in Florida.

 
WHO THIS PETITION IS FOR
We call on:

• Florida Attorney General
• State Attorney for the Ninth Judicial Circuit (Orange & Osceola Counties)
• Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC)
• Florida Legislature

These are the agencies and lawmakers with the authority to act — and they must.

 
WHAT WE WANT

1. A full criminal review

We urge the Florida Attorney General, the Ninth Judicial Circuit State Attorney, and FWC to pursue all appropriate actions under Florida’s animal cruelty and captive‑wildlife laws. Dozens of preventable deaths demand accountability.

 

2. Immediate review of all permits and operations

FWC and FDACS must evaluate every permit, every facility, and every entity connected to Sloth World. If violations occurred — and the reports make that clear — consequences must follow.

 

3. New legislation — the “Bandit Act”

Named in memory of one of the sloths who died, the Bandit Act would:

 

• Ban the display of exotic wildlife in strip malls and unregulated storefronts
• Strengthen minimum standards for housing and care
• Require emergency heat, power, and veterinary access
• Mandate reporting of animal deaths within 24 hours
• Increase penalties for preventable deaths caused by neglect
• Allow immediate suspension of operations when multiple animals die or disappear
• Create a public registry of facilities with repeated violations

If Florida can protect puppies from strip‑mall cruelty, it can protect sloths too.

 
A Note About Merchandise and Donations

Buying merchandise online that claims “a portion of proceeds will be donated” does not guarantee that meaningful support reaches the animals. If you want to help, donate directly to reputable organizations like the Central Florida Zoo, where your contribution can do real good.

 

But more than anything, the most powerful thing you can do right now is let your voice be heard.

Sign this petition.

Share it.

Speak up.

Public pressure is what drives real change.

 
WHY THIS MATTERS

Because this happened in our community.

Because it happened right next door. 

Because I refuse to stand by while wild animals suffer in the same plaza where we’ve built something meaningful.

Because strip malls are for shops, restaurants, and community spaces — not for wildlife attractions that treat living creatures like decorations.

Because these animals deserved better.

Because the public deserves answers.

Because Florida deserves stronger laws.

 

And because silence only protects the people who allowed this to happen.

 

We sign this petition to demand justice for the sloths who suffered and died, to protect future animals from harm, and to urge Florida’s leaders to act now.