USDA Files Lawsuit Against Alleged Animal Abuser Amid Disturbing Claims of Chimpanzee Mistreatment and Hoarding

In a disturbing turn of events, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reportedly initiated an administrative lawsuit to revoke Tonia Haddix’s Animal Welfare Act (AWA) license, a move fueled by ongoing allegations of animal mistreatment and exploitation at her roadside zoo and private breeding operations in Camden County, Missouri. The lawsuit comes on the heels of extensive campaigning by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which has accused Haddix, the owner of Sunrise Beach Safari, LLC, of serious violations regarding the welfare of animals under her care.

Haddix first attracted attention from animal rights advocates in 2018 when she allegedly acquired seven chimpanzees from the now-defunct Missouri Primate Foundation, where they were reportedly confined in filthy conditions that included exposure to their own waste and pests. A recent HBO docuseries titled *Chimp Crazy* has reportedly brought further scrutiny to Haddix’s practices, showcasing shocking footage that suggests her long-term neglect of at least one of these chimpanzees, Tonka.

According to claims made in the docuseries, Haddix purportedly deceived authorities about Tonka’s fate, asserting that the chimp had died, while evidence indicated he was instead kept in a cramped basement cage, deprived of sunlight and social interactions. Medical reports allegedly highlight that Tonka was overweight and lacked the necessary veterinary care for a healthy life. These disturbing revelations have intensified calls for Haddix’s operations to be shut down.

As reports indicate, Haddix seems to remain undeterred in her business ventures despite these allegations. PETA asserts that she continues to broker transactions of infant monkeys and other animals for the pet trade, maintaining operations at her roadside zoo. The USDA’s actions appear to underscore a growing consensus that her activities may be fundamentally incompatible with the humane treatment mandates of the Animal Welfare Act.

In response to mounting evidence of perjury and other violations linked to her management of animal care, the USDA reportedly gave Haddix until July 2024 to justify why her license should not be revoked. The agency’s statement hints at serious concerns regarding her fitness to operate, suggesting that her conduct is contrary to the law’s intent.

In an extraordinary legal move, PETA filed a motion in October 2024 seeking to hold Haddix in contempt of court, using statements and actions obtained from the *Chimp Crazy* documentary as the basis for allegations against her. This is reportedly the sixth such legal action initiated by PETA, which states that Haddix currently owes substantial legal fees due to her past legal entanglements.

The case has reportedly garnered the attention of high-profile figures, including actor Alan Cumming, who has backed calls for the federal government to act against Haddix and her ongoing animal exploitation practices. Cumming’s involvement reflects a broader public outcry, with many expressing their outrage at Haddix’s alleged mistreatment of vulnerable animals.

As the deadline approaches for Haddix to defend her license, the USDA’s next steps remain uncertain, but the implications for her current operations could be significant. Activists and wildlife advocates are awaiting the decision with bated breath, hopeful it will lead to the termination of Haddix’s business practices that many see as harmful to animal welfare.