“I want to thank Commissioner Wilson for her leadership on this issue and my fellow advocates who showed up today to make their voices heard. What happened at Sloth World was heartbreaking and preventable, and it exposed real gaps in how we regulate the exhibition of exotic animals in our community. Animals are not props for entertainment, and Orange County residents deserve to know that when wildlife is brought into our community, there are strong protections and real enforcement behind them.
Today’s unanimous vote is an important first step. I’m proud to stand with the County as it explores stronger regulations, and I’m committed to being a partner at the state level to ensure our laws keep pace with our values. Central Florida can and should be a place where compassion for animals and public safety go hand in hand. I look forward to seeing this work move forward as we continue to push for accountability via a criminal investigation.”
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