PETA Tip Triggers Federal Raid, Lawsuit Against Chinchilla Breeder

A PETA tip has led to federal action against an Ohio chinchilla breeder, revealing the alleged concealment of hundreds of animals from federal oversight. The DOJ filed a complaint against James Franklin Ritterspach and his business, R & R Chinchilla, Inc., accusing them of housing approximately 800 chinchillas in an undisclosed building to avoid inspection. The USDA received the tip from PETA, prompting federal officials to question Ritterspach, who admitted to keeping additional chinchillas in an uninspected building for years.

USDA officials cited the facility for multiple violations of the Animal Welfare Act, documenting instances of severe illness and filthy conditions among the chinchillas. A federal court issued a temporary restraining order against Ritterspach and his business, with a hearing scheduled for September 4 in Toledo. PETA is urging for the removal of all chinchillas from Ritterspach's custody and emphasizes the importance of adopting animals instead of purchasing them from breeders.