The City of Frankfort’s TPA Park has received citations following a recent inspection by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) on March 3, 2025. While corrections have been made to address the identified issues, which could be immediately addressed, the City of Frankfort acknowledges the need for ongoing improvements to ensure compliance with evolving regulations.
It is important to understand that USDA regulations are subject to interpretation, and inspectors may apply varying perspectives and recommendations. Notably, TPA Park recently experienced a change in its assigned USDA inspector. Following three consecutive successful inspections and re-certifications, the new inspector has cited the park for violations based on a more restrictive interpretation of existing guidelines.
“We recognize that regulations are in place for the well-being of the animals in our care, and we are committed to upholding the highest standards,” said Mayor Judy Sheets. “However, it’s also important to acknowledge that interpretations of these regulations can shift, and we are now working to adapt to the new inspector’s perspective.”
The City of Frankfort is taking the following steps to address the USDA’s recommendations and enhance its animal care protocols through an enhanced incident reporting system, more robust individual animal inspections, and seeking more dedicated time from the veterinary team. In addition the Parks will provide a report to the Board of Works on a monthly basis for approval, ensuring transparency and accountability.
“Our goal is to ensure the continued health and safety of the animals at TPA Park,” stated Mayor Judy Sheets “We are actively working to address the USDA’s findings and implement the necessary improvements. We appreciate the community’s support as we navigate these regulatory changes.”
The inspection report recommended additional documentation for the TPA Park staff’s daily observations of the animals. The City of Frankfort is working with the USDA and veterinary staff to ensure adequate documentation is provided moving forward. As part of its ongoing review of the Zoo & Aviary, a veterinarian inspected all of the animals on January 23rd, and all of the birds on February 5th. Additional inspections and vaccinations of the animals and birds by the veterinarian team are scheduled to occur in April, and wellness checks will be provided again in the fall.
The inspection report also recommended additional barriers be constructed between the animals and the public, as members of the public provide food and other items to the animals in the Zoo enclosure. The City of Frankfort is evaluating options for additional barriers and/or distance to eliminate the risk of harm to the animals. The City of Frankfort asks the public to respect signage and directions of the Park staff to ensure the safety of the animals.
The report also required additional recordation of animal donations. The City of Frankfort has created a policy to address this issue and expects that such policy will sufficiently resolve this violation.
Additionally, the report required repair of deteriorated wood surfaces in the Amazon parrot enclosure. The deteriorated portion of the enclosure has been replaced.
USDA regulations require environment enhancement for animals and birds to promote psychological well-being. Previously, the inspections report recommended the adoption of an Environment Enhancement Plan. Such plan was not completed by the March 3, 2025 inspection. The City of Frankfort has begun the process of developing such a plan and has requested feedback from the veterinary team to complete the plan. The plan cannot be completed until approval by the veterinary team.
We have made progress towards improving our policies and procedures to ensure that we are not only in compliance with the USDA regulations, but that we are providing our animals and birds the best care available,” said Mayor Judy Sheets. “We still have work to do. Our staff cares deeply about these animals and have been working diligently to continue to make improvements. This is a process that takes time and dedication.”
The City of Frankfort is committed to continue to work with the USDA inspector and veterinary team to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.
