**Help Us Fight Back: Defending Voiceless Animals**

As many of you know, I am Heather Keepers, and for just under 10 years, I worked as a wild animal trainer at Triple D Game Farm, a facility in Kalispell, MT that markets itself as a haven for wildlife. However, what I witnessed behind the scenes was a heartbreaking reality of animal cruelty and exploitation. After years of failed attempts to make a difference internally, and along with three other brave women, I chose to leave the animals I love in order to blow the whistle about the deplorable practices and the negligent treatment of animals at this facility.

Together, we have spent the last four years reporting to the USDA, the USFWS, and their previously accreditation agency, ZAA the blatant unethical and illegal practices. Finally in 2021, an inspection was conducted by a different inspector than the one they’ve had for decades, the USDA veterinarian. From that single inspection, a laundry list of violations were cited including unsafe enclosures and “excess excrement.” In response to us speaking out, and instead of addressing the horrible animal welfare issues, Triple D chose to retaliate against us with a lawsuit; not for slander or defamation, though…because that would mean we were lying.

We are being sued for breach of a non-disclosure agreement and tortious interference because we reported the decades-old negligence, abuse and illegal activity to the proper authorities. Our story even gained international attention, shedding light on the abuses that occur there. Our stories weren’t the only ones highlighted, nor even the worst. Others have come forward, and more are still; also at the risk of being sued.

In November of 2023, the USDA FINALLY brought forth a five point Complaint (yes, only FIVE points in all the information turned in, and their own findings from multiple inspections). The following is a direct quote from the USDA Complaint against DDD:

ALLEGED VIOLATIONS

1. On or about January 7, 2019, the Respondent violated the Regulations (9 C.F.R.2.131(b)(L)) as follows: a silver fox kit escaped the perimeter fencing and was never recaptured.

2. On or about September 23, 2019, the Respondent violated the Regulations (9 C.F.R. §131(b)(1)) as follows: a North American river otter was found deceased approximately one week after failed attempts were made by trainers to re-crate the animal.

3. On or about May 12, 2020, the Respondent violated the Regulations (9 C.F.R. § 3.133), by failing to meet the Standards, as follows: a female Arctic wolf was found deceased after being left unsupervised overnight with a male wolf that was removed from a separate enclosure due to compatibility concerns with another female Arctic wolf the day before.

4. On or about November 12, 2020, the Respondent violated the Regulations (9 C.F.R. 3.125(a)), by failing to meet the Standards, as follows: a pine marten was found decapitated in a fox pen after escaping its enclosure.

5. On or about December 2, 2021, the Respondent violated the Regulations (9 C.F R.2.13 1(b)(L)) as follows: two-thirds of a snow leopard's tail was discovered in an adjacent enclosure after contact was made with another snow leopard during routine shifting of cats.

The cover photo illustrates that DDD was "assessed a civil penalty of $5K." FIVE THOUSAND DOLLARS. For horrible horrible horrible animal deaths and failing to provide for them.

**Why We Need Your Help:**

We are in a fight not just for ourselves but for the animals there who have no voice. This lawsuit is a blatant attempt to silence us and to intimidate others from speaking out against animal abuse and cruelty, as well as the unsafe conditions the workers are forced to work in. Legal battles are extremely expensive, and we are now facing a serious financial burden after years of defending ourselves and the animals. As we get closer to depositions and a jury trial, our attorney fees are exponentially increasing. We need your help! We are asking for help from those who want to see these animals escape the absolute deplorable conditions they’re forced to live in. We have an incredible legal team supporting us, and even fighting the validity and legality of the NDA, a decision which now exclusively lies withing the National Labor Relations Board.

**Our Goal:**

Collectively, our legal fees are currently totaled near $50K, eighty percent of which I have already personally paid independently. We are seeking to raise at least $20,000 to help cover the costs of our immediately impending legal fees. Every dollar helps as we navigate this complex legal fight, and your support could make a critical difference for the animals and in our ability to continue to speak out on this matter.

**How You Can Help**

Please consider donating to our legal fund. Your support will not only help us defend ourselves but will also send a message that animal cruelty cannot and will not be tolerated, and those who speak out against it should not be punished. Speaking out against such practices should be encouraged. This will also allow those facilities doing the right thing to continue to practice without fear of being swept up with the rest. We understand that the holidays are coming up and that not everyone is in a situation to help; but we do ask that if you can’t donate, please share our story to help us reach as many people as possible. Anything helps!!! Together we can defeat this and set a precedent for all future whistleblowers against animal cruelty! This case has the potential to create lasting and positive change for a brighter future for TRUE animal ambassadorship.

Thank you for standing with us in this critical fight. With your help we will succeed!