A Possible "Tiger King" situation developing in SC

Authorities are investigating a local zoo for endangering the public after several incidents involving the escape of dangerous animals. In early October the escape of a panther had the small South Carolina of Hartsville on edge.   "I was scared" A local woman explained, "I wouldn't let my kids play outside with that thing out there."The panther was later reported to have been struck by a car and killed.    "It is simply irresponsible." Said Dee Jeffery of the SC Society for Humane Animal Treatment. "These people have no experience with large cats. They just bought them off the internet and put them in a yard with a chain link fence! It is dangerous for the community and bad for the animals."     Despite what appears to be a dangerous threat to the people of Hartsville, there seems to be a great deal of support for the zoo staying open.     "Where else can my kids pet a gaboon viper?" Said one man we interviewed as he exited the zoo. "I mean yesterday I didn't even know what gaboon was, and today my kids are holding a viper from there."    The gaboon viper he is referring to is named "Pudgy" and despite having an extremely high venom yield, two-inch fangs, and an arguably bad disposition, he routinely carried around the zoo by a handler so visitors can touch him.     Dee Jeffery weighed in again on the practice "It is unbelievable that they do this. It's not only potentially deadly, but the animal is clearly stressed the entire time. You can look into his eyes and tell he is miserable."     We spoke with an undercover investigator from Darlington County Sheriff's Office who asked that his name be withheld while the investigation is ongoing. "While it all seems dangerous and irresponsible" he stated "We haven't been able to find a specific law that has been violated. In fact, we aren't even sure who owns or operates this zoo, or if we are even in the right county, as there are two different Beaver Dam roads close to each other.  I mean, I am sure someone feeds these animals and takes care of them, but it isn't clear who. There is not front gate, and I haven't noticed anyone who seems to be an employee. The guy walking around with the big snake (the gaboon viper) doesn't work here, and he claims it isn't his snake. It is all kind of confusing."    At the time of the report no one from the zoo was available for comment.