Contentious Battle for Custody: Virginia’s Natural Bridge Zoo Faces Legal Showdown Over Animal Seizure

LEXINGTON, Virginia – A custody battle over nearly 100 animals seized from the Natural Bridge Zoo two months ago is ongoing in Rockbridge Circuit Court. The zoo, owned by Karl and Debra “Debbie” Mogensen, had its animals seized after allegations of mistreatment and unsafe conditions surfaced. The case reached the circuit level after a judge ruled for the return of some animals to the zoo in January. Now, a jury of seven citizens, along with two alternates, is hearing evidence regarding the welfare of the seized animals and will decide if the zoo can regain … Read more

Deliberations Continue as Seven Witnesses Testify in Natural Bridge Zoo Animal Cruelty Case

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The jury trial for an animal cruelty case in Rockbridge County, Virginia, is underway, with seven witnesses taking the stand on Tuesday, February 27th. The case, which centers around alleged mistreatment of animals at the Natural Bridge Zoo, has garnered significant attention. Amy Taylor, lead investigator from the office of the attorney general, testified that a tip from PETA prompted the investigation. To ensure impartiality, Taylor recruited a Powhatan County Animal Control Officer who was unfamiliar with the zoo and its employees to conduct an undercover visit. During the trial, Sergeant Christine … Read more

Virginia Judge Orders ‘Disposal’ of Animals Seized from Natural Bridge Zoo, Citing Cruelty and Inadequate Care

LEXINGTON, Virginia — A significant ruling was made by a judge in Virginia on Friday regarding the fate of animals seized from the Natural Bridge Zoo. Out of the 96 animals confiscated last month following an investigation by the state attorney general, 57 will not be returned to the zoo. The judge determined that these animals were subjected to cruelty or inadequate care, leading to their disposals. The remaining 39 animals will be returned to the zoo due to insufficient evidence supporting their seizure. The decision was the result of a case heard in the … Read more

Oklahoma Attorney General Files Lawsuit Against Natural Gas Marketers Seeking Billions in Recovery for Oklahomans

Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond is taking legal action against natural gas marketers in hopes of recovering billions of dollars for Oklahomans. Following the winter storms in 2021, which caused a spike in gas and oil prices, Drummond is determined to prevent a repeat scenario as severe winter weather approaches. He believes that filing a lawsuit will serve as a means to protect the state and its residents from exploitative practices. Drummond stated that the lawsuit has the potential to recover several billion dollars owed to Oklahomans as a result of rate hikes that occurred … Read more