Ligertown Owners File New Tort Suit

The owners of the Ligertown complex near Lava Hot Springs have filed another claim against Bannock County over removal of wild animals from the complex.

Dotti Martin and Robert Fieber seek $8.5 million in a tort claim filed against the county, alleging interstate theft, racketeering, cruelty to animals and misuse of public funds. The couple also seeks restitution for what they claim was wrongful seizure of game animals.

Officers and others shot 19 African lions starting Sept. 20 after some of the big cats escaped from ramshackle cages and pens.

The latest claim also names as a defendant Martine Colette, president of Wildlife Waystation, an organization that is caring for 24 African lions and three ligers in Southern California. The animals came from Ligertown.

In the claim, Martin and Fieber charged Bannock County Sheriff Bill Lynn, county commissioners and Colette with 12 counts of cruelty to animals.

Tort claims must be filed with governmental agencies before lawsuits can be filed.