Facts

The Animal Legal Defense Fund, Sara Beackler, Amazing Animal Actors, John Ortbals, and the Chimpanzee Collaboratory filed suit against animal trainer Sidney Yost, better known as "Ranger Rick Kelly."

PLAINTIFFS' CONTENTIONS:
Plaintiffs alleged that defendant would physically abuse the primates under his care. He was accused of beating chimps with a broom handle, punching them, hitting chimps on the head with a metal lock, and shocking them with a metal instrument called a "hot shot." He also allegedly instructed other trainers and volunteers to "get angry and beat the shit out of them" if the primates misbehaved. They claimed that defendant's mistreatment of the animals violated the federal Endangered Species Act and state anti-cruelty laws. Further, they alleged defendant had embezzled funds from Amazing Animal Actors and stole the company's chimps, a tiger, a lion and a hawk.

DEFENDANT'S CONTENTIONS:
Defendant maintained that he had never abused any animal.

Result

The parties settled out of court, and the plaintiffs' suit was dismissed as a result. The agreement provided that three chimps, Sable, Cody and Angel, would be removed from defendant's care and relocated to sanctuaries in Florida. They will also be appointed a guardian to ensure they will be treated humanely for the duration of their lives.