Bizarre encounter between feds, exotic-animal owner outside LI coffee shop
The recent incident involving Larry Wallach, the unlicensed owner of Sloth Encounters, a traveling animal show, has sparked outrage among animal rights advocates. Wallach was caught with two sloths and a kangaroo in his car on Long Island, violating Oyster Bay’s dangerous animals ordinance. The authorities, responding to a tip, discovered the illicit animals outside a coffee shop and issued Wallach a summons for his illegal actions.
It is illegal to transport exotic animals over state lines into New York, where owning such animals is also prohibited in most areas, including Long Island. Despite having his USDA license revoked in 2024, Wallach continued to exhibit wild animals unlawfully, prompting calls for federal authorities to take action and confiscate the animals.
Wallach has a history of animal welfare violations, with roughly 60 citations to his name, including trafficking dangerous animals and lying to federal inspectors. Despite facing legal action and having his Long Island operation shut down by a state judge, Wallach persisted in his illegal activities, transporting animals to private parties and pop-up events across state lines.
Animal rights activists from Humane Long Island have documented instances where Wallach hid animals from inspectors, misled authorities, and continued exhibitions after being ordered to stop. Sloths and kangaroos, particularly vulnerable in cold climates like Long Island in January, were found in Wallach’s possession during the recent incident.
Despite the evidence against him, Wallach has not been arrested or criminally charged in connection with the Oyster Bay incident. Authorities allowed him to drive away with the animals, citing an ongoing federal investigation into Wallach’s actions. The lack of immediate action has left advocates like John Di Leonardo frustrated, highlighting the challenges of advocating for animal welfare in such cases.
As the investigation continues, it remains to be seen what consequences Wallach will face for his repeated violations of animal welfare laws. Animal rights advocates are calling for stricter enforcement measures to ensure the safety and well-being of exotic animals in Wallach’s care.
