Folsom SeaQuest cited by USDA; Assemblyman doubles down on call for more investigation

SeaQuest of Folsom has been hit with more federal citations from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), this time over the death of a parakeet, as well as sanitation issues from an ongoing fly problem. These citations are the latest in a series of troubling allegations about animal neglect and mistreatment in the Folsom facility. Now, animal advocates are calling for change and Folsom Assemblyman Josh Hoover is doubling down on his efforts to find clarity and ensure animal welfare laws are being upheld. A "critical citation," which is the most serious level of citation, was issued to Folsom SeaQuest last month over the death of a parakeet in July; the bird was caught in a door and died shortly after, without the employee even realizing it happened. Another citation was issued over sanitation concerns in the wallaby enclosure and an "ongoing fly issue." According to the citation, clusters of flies amassed in the wallaby enclosure and spread through the facility. Concerns about animal welfare and safety at SeaQuest have been raised by members of the public and a group of former employees who have cited numerous cases of violations of animal welfare standards. Sacramento TV station ABC10 aired investigative reports which brought the allegations more into public view. The station also publicized disturbing videos captured by former employees showing animals hurt, sick, dying or dead. Rebecca Smudzinski is a manager of Captive Animal Welfare for PETA and said this latest citation involving the bird is one of 14 other citations Folsom SeaQuest has already incurred from the USDA over the past five years. "This parakeet is just the latest casualty of SeaQuest. This is a profit-hungry roadside attraction. They have a death log and a USDA log sheet that just keeps growing," said Smudzinski. "This is just one horrifying example of their incompetence and inexperience when it comes to animal care. And this isn't the first time an animal has died at one of their facilities." Folsom Assemblyman Josh Hoover told The Folsom Telegraph he finds this latest development concerning. "It's pretty terrible. This is more of the same, of why we're concerned," said Hoover. "It opens more questions into whether SeaQuest is following state and federal guidelines in caring for animals." Hoover recently called on the California Department of Fish and Wildlife to investigate allegations against SeaQuest. "I think when you combine this most recent death of a parakeet, with all of the former employees who have come forward and expressed some pretty serious concerns about treatment of animals, it definitely continues to raise red flags about their operation," said Hoover. The dilemma, Hoover said, is state investigators are limited to only annual checks; their most recent check had already been conducted before Hoover called for an investigation. With this latest news about the USDA citation however, Hoover has directed his office to contact the state to try to escalate their timeline. The Folsom Telegraph attempted to contact someone at the SeaQuest corporate office and in Folsom but was unsuccessful at reaching a human, only an automated system. Assemblyman Hoover noted the majority of regulatory power lies with federal agencies; the state has more limited oversight ability. Yet Hoover is willing to pursue putting forward legislation that would give the state more teeth, if necessary. In August, SeaQuest's CEO, Vince Covino, stepped down. Hoover said this move may be significant and could result in positive change. PETA officials are calling for the USDA to shut down SeaQuest facilities and send animals to more reputable facilities before more deaths occur. However, the USDA is not known for its enforcement of Animal Welfare laws, said PETA, so the group is urging the public to send their own message. "SeaQuest is a hell hole for the animals and a black eye for the community," said Smudzinski. "... Wild animals don't belong in shopping malls. No animal should have to suffer from the lack of basic care at the hands of this greedy profit-hungry tourist trap. The best way people can help the animals at this facility and all roadside zoos is to just steer clear and not patronize."