UPDATE: USDA files complaint against Serenity Springs Wildlife Center

The United States Department of Agriculture has filed an administrative complaint against Serenity Springs Wildlife Center in Calhan.

The center is home to an array of exotic animals, but it is mostly known for its collection of big cats.

The administrative complaint comes fromthe USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The complaint, filed in May, alleges that owner Nick Sculac violated the Animal Welfare Act.

The complaint details violations cited by inspectors, including improper veterinarian care for animals, poorly maintained cages and improper handling of infant tigers. Some of the violations date back to 2013. The complaint said Serenity Springs did not take measures to correct problems on the property.

The complaint said the wildlife center pretends to be sanctuary when it’s a zoo. It said it breeds animals not to preserve species, but to get money from the public.

Potential penalties for violations of the AWA can include a cease-and-desist order, monetary penalties and license suspension or revocation.

Sculac said the allegations in the complaint are not true. His attorney Duston Barton said he will ask for a hearing before the USDA to present evidence that will show the allegations in the complaint are false.

Barton said Sculac has filed a lawsuit against the USDA claiming that it’s inspectors trespassed on the property and violated Sculac’s fourth amendment rights.

PETA deputy director of captive animal law enforcement Brittany Peet said the USDA is taking the right steps.

“Serenity Springs is a notorious animal abuser. For years and years, PETA has been tracking it’s exploitation of big cats. And this new complaint by the USDA shows the status quo is continuing,” said Peet.

Peet said she hoped the complaint would eventually lead to animals being removed from the property.

“We hope serenity springs will do the right thing and surrender every animal in its custody to reputable sanctuaries,” said Peet.

Sculac is considering selling the wildlife center. He would not give a reason, but Barton said it’s impart because of relentless pressure from the USDA. South Carolina business owner Jeff Lowe is in talks with Sculac about purchasing the property.

Lowe would not tell KRDO NewsChannel 13 his plans for the wildlife center. Sculac said the animals would not be moved out of Colorado.