Austin Aquarium Owners Put Animals’ Lives at Stake

Earlier this month, the Oregon Humane Society launched an investigation into a Portland aquarium where 200 marine animals allegedly died of starvation, illness, and animal attacks between February and May 2013. Now, People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals reports that the aquarium’s owners Ammon and Vince Covino are importing sharks, a baby kinkajou, and various reptiles into an Austin facility that is still being built, which they do not have a permit to begin construction on. PETA has called on Austin’s Animal Services Office and the health authorities to investigate these claims and litigate the Covino’s if they are found guilty of violating city, health, or animal-welfare regulations.