News Story - Idaho State Journal

S.A.B.R.E Foundation President Peter Renzo filed a lawsuit against the Idaho State Department of Agriculture Monday regarding the agency's refusal to issue the big cat trainer an exotic animal permit for a facility he planned between Idaho Falls and Blackfoot.

Renzo's Pocatello-based attorney Nick Nielson could not be reached for comment Tuesday, but the S.A.B.R.E president said his lawsuit is worth about

$13 million and charges the ISDA for loss of sponsorships, revenue and project building delays.

Renzo planned to open his proposed local big cat compound this past summer but was denied the authority to do so following several months of legal battles against the ISDA. Last fall, the ISDA refused to issue Renzo a permit after he wouldn't agree to spay and neuter his feline pets.

In addition to the cat facility, Renzo, who owns a compound in Nevada, also planned to build a local restaurant and hotel to accompany it. Renzo owns eight cats, including five Bengal tigers, two recently acquired white Bengal tigers and a black panther.

"We lost some critical sponsors, and it was a shame that we lost such great sponsors," he said. "This was a great plan."

By Journal Staff

This document was originally published online on Wednesday, October 08, 2008

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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of our paper.

Robin Probart wrote on Oct 10, 2008 12:03 PM:

" I think that its a big loss that he was not able to build as it would be a great attraction for this area. I feel that the state has no right to ask for him to spay and neuter his animals, especially when most, if not all of them are endangered. Its a shame that the state was worried about such a thng instead of assuring the safety in the building of the facility.As my husband says, big cats need advocates too "

Rick Bell wrote on Dec 16, 2008 2:14 PM:

" was hoping to a little light on this issue for your readers. I have known Peter Renzo since 1977 and have had the amazing experience of interacting with his big cats that entire time. I have seen a number of people in Idaho defending the Departments of Agricultures to not allow Peter to bring his cats there. Years ago there was an incident involving the irresponsible breeding of dozens of big cats at Ligertown and the subsequent escape and killing of many animals. The facilty was unlicensed, uninspected and illegally run by untrained unlicensed individuals.
The S.A.B.R.E. Foundation is the exact opposite if LigerTown. Their acilities have been licensed by the Federal government for over 30 years. They are regularly inspected by the feds and have never failed an inspection. There enclosures are fully enclosed, including roofs, with welded frames and heavy gauge chainlink. All enclosures have double welded frame chain link doors. Outside the animal enclosures is a 3 to 4 foot barrier and another chain link fence.
I have seen many comments stating that tigers should be left to the zoos. The federal class c exibitors license Mr. Renzo has held for over 30 years is a zoo license. As he is far more experienced with big cats than most zoo staff his zoo would be a much safer way to view these beautiful animals.
Most injuries involving big cats are to their owns and handlers. You would be far more likely to be attacked by your neighbors dog than a zoo owned big cat. Far more injuries occur every year interacting with horses (a thousand times more) than those that occur interacting with big cats.
I know there are many people out there that are anti big cats because of Ligertown but they are not being fair the Mr. Renzo or the cats by comparing the two. "

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