Aurora -- The Portage Animal Protective League visited Aurora Farms Premium Outlets Feb. 4 to investigate multiple complaints about the health and well being of ducks and geese there.
Jeff Hartung, humane officer for the PAPL, said no citations were issued. The PAPL requested the Outlets on South Chillicothe Road to provide adequate shelter in the form of hutches with straw and food daily for the animals.
"[The animals] have no shelter from predators," Hartung said, adding he saw no food for them on the premises Feb. 4. "I saw what I needed to see. They're not being taken care of."
The Outlets put straw on the pond's ice the morning of Feb. 5, said Lisa Kusner, general manager of the Outlets, through a spokesman. She said the Outlets have met the PAPL's requirements.
"Aurora Farms Premium Outlets works with a state-certified wildlife professional. Food is provided regularly. We work to ensure access to open water and provide ample shelter under the deck," Kusner said.
She acknowledged the business has received numerous complaints about the animals over the years, but the PAPL hasn't cited the business.
Hartung said the APL received 12 complaints via e-mail and telephone since Feb. 2. He also was sent photographs of dead ducks allegedly floating in a pond on the property during that time period.
At least three or four animals have been reported dead, and one domestic goose and one duck appear to have broken wings, he said.
HARTUNG said it's not known what caused the animals' apparent injuries and deaths.
Kusner said when birds die of natural causes, the business tries to remove them promptly. About 100 wild and domestic ducks and geese inhabited the pond area on Feb. 4.
Hartung and Annette Fisher, executive director for Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary in Ravenna, removed one of the animals that appeared to have broken wings.
Fisher said it was taken to a veterinarian for treatment and then to a rehabilitation center. It could be adopted in the future.
Kusner said the animal doesn't have broken wings, but its appearance is because of a birth defect.
According to Hartung, Aurora Farms is responsible for the health and well being of the non-flying animals on the property because they are contained by a fence around the pond and can't get out to seek food and shelter.
However, Kusner disputed that, saying the business does not bring the birds there. She noted domestic animals sometimes are brought there by law enforcement agencies which find them on the road or by people who no longer want them as pets.
Kusner said if there isn't food for them, they would leave, but the animal welfare advocates said the non-flying animals can't leave because they're fenced in.
Kusner said the fence around the pond is to keep patrons safe and prevent them from entering the water.
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