Owner of Sloth Encounters pleads not guilty to multiple town code violations
The owner
of Sloth Encounters pleaded not guilty to four town code violations on Wednesday.
The move
comes as the Town of Islip takes legal action to shut down the controversial
Hauppauge petting zoo owned by Larry Wallach.
The town attorney filed for a permanent
injunction to close the exotic animal facility for violations of town
code.
Animal
activists say the sloths should be in sanctuaries and not used for photo ops.
The owner
of the business says the animals are treated well and that he has proper
permits.
A Supreme Court judge will hear arguments Thursday for a temporary restraining order. If granted, it could temporarily
close down the establishment.