Sentencing is scheduled in July for a Kansas man accused of illegally keeping at least ten sick and injured exotic animals on his property.

Matthew Baker pleaded guilty to five counts: possession of drug paraphernalia, misdemeanor obstruction of law enforcement, cruelty to animals, failure to comply with USDA Regulations and License, and Failure to comply with cage requirements.

 

Officials seized three bobcats, two lynx, two cougars, a tiger and two servals, one of them deceased. Prosecutors and zoo officials say the animals were kept in filthy cages that were too small, and they were provided with little food or water.

Authorities say Baker tried to prevent officers from searching his property in Atchison County in May. He was arrested. A search turned up a drug pipe.

Deputies and the owner of the property determined that Baker would sometimes leave the animals for a least a week at a time without checking on their welfare.   They say he had only been on the property 5 times between March 9 and May 5, 2013 to check on or feed the animals.