Backyard zoo busted
In Tempe, Arizona, a 44-year-old woman was arrested for operating an unlicensed petting zoo after neighbors reported kids lining up outside her backyard.
For $5 admission, visitors could see exotic animals — which turned out to be a bearded dragon, two cats in a playpen, and a raccoon she claimed had wandered in but stuck around for the snacks.
She had signs with animal facts, all copied from Wikipedia, and offered VIP tours that included a Capri Sun and a selfie with “Reggie the Wonder Ferret.”
Authorities cited health violations and illegal animal exhibition. One official said, “It wasn’t even a ferret. We think it was just a long hamster.”
