MOORESVILLE, N.C. – The owner of Lazy 5 Ranch will have to pay a $20,000 fine to the USDA/APHIS after the United States Department of Agriculture found they violated the Animal Welfare Act.

• The owner of Lazy 5 Ranch must pay a $20,000 fine.
• An investigation found multiple instances where the ranch was not providing "adequate" veterinary care to its animals.
• The ranch has 30 days to pay.

According to a federal lawsuit filed in September, owner Henry Hampton failed to provide adequate veterinary care to the exotic animals on its farm.

Additionally, the farm was accused of failing to comply with APHIS officials for access for inspection.

In a statement from Lazy 5 about the investigation, a source says "We are and have been working closely with the USDA. Now that the USDA is sending more skilled inspectors to visit Lazy 5, we have had nothing but clean inspections. Our priority has and always has been the safety of the visitors and the care of the animals. We continue to be thankful for everyone who supports the ranch and as always encourage our visitors to ask questions."

Hampton must pay the fine within 30 days.