PETA sues Fort Lauderdale to shut down Capybara Café
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The café doesn't serve any food or drinks despite what the name suggests. Photo: Naomi Feinstein/Axios
PETA has filed a lawsuit against the city of Fort Lauderdale and the Capybara Café, alleging the city is allowing the café to operate in violation of its zoning laws.
Why it matters: The animal rights group wants to shut down the café, which has become a popular attraction since opening last month.
Driving the news: In its lawsuit filed in Broward County circuit court, PETA claims the café's Thrive District location isn't zoned for wild-animal petting zoos and that the animals are living on a residential property where they're prohibited.
- "In sum, the city is undoubtedly well aware that the capybara defendants are violating city ordinances," PETA wrote.
The big picture: PETA says the café, which allows customers to interact with capybaras, foxes and other exotic animals, poses risks to the animals and the public.
- In addition to its Fort Lauderdale location, Noah's Ark Sanctuary, a nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates all sorts of wildlife, owns Capybara Cafés in St. Augustine and St. Petersburg.
What they're saying: "PETA is asking the court to order the city to stop violating its own laws and close this illegal wild-animal petting operation," Jeff Kerr, chief legal officer of the PETA Foundation, says.
Zoom in: A city spokesperson previously confirmed to Axios that the city issued a citation for housing wild animals at a residential property and ordered compliance by Oct. 8.
- PETA claims its co-plaintiff — Fort Lauderdale resident and private investigator Ana Campos — saw animals being taken to and from the residence on Oct. 20.
The other side: The city declined to comment on the lawsuit when asked by Axios, citing pending litigation. The café didn't respond.
- Last month, the city told Axios that city staff hadn't found a zoning or land use violation for the café.
- "We have heard the criticism, and we understand that questions may continue," the café's website reads. "But we will not allow the public debate to become the purpose of our organization."
- Owner Stephanie Angel has called PETA's allegations "factually inaccurate" and "one big lie," according to the Sun Sentinel.