John Zollo News Today

Islip Requests Sloth Encounters Owner Held In Contempt Of Court: Docs - Hauppauge, NY - The town claims Larry Wallach, owner of Sloth Encounters, violated a court order numerous times and "should be jailed."

LI's Sloth Encounters Accused Of Abuse After Undercover Investigation - Hauppauge, NY - An undercover investigator with the Humane Society recorded a staff member hitting a sloth. The society called for the facility's shutdown.

'It's A New Day In Suffolk': New County Executive Ed Romaine Sworn In - Center Moriches-Eastport, NY - New Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine discussed key items to address, including finances, IT issues, child services, and the environment.

The Town of Islip filed a motion for contempt against federally licensed animal exhibitor Larry Wallach in April after inspections found the exotic pet store continued to harbor wild animals in defiance of a March court order.

The legislation introduced by Sen. Monica Martinez (D-Brentwood) was prompted by the sale of animals including sloths at a Hauppauge-based business.

Judge Joseph Santorelli, who issued the preliminary injunction, also denied the business' motion to dismiss the case, which has been ongoing since September, when Santorelli issued a temporary restraining order closing the business.

Smithtown councilman Tom Lohmann, the council's Public Safety liaison, said Tuesday that the "DA's office is actively looking into this for environmental crimes ... I've never seen something this egregious in my time with the town."