Animal advocates gathered outside Margate City Hall to protest against Larry Wallach's proposed sloth attraction, following the deaths of over 50 sloths at an Orlando facility. The activists, including John Di Leonardo from Humane Long Island, expressed concerns about Wallach's controversial past, which includes more than 60 violations of the Animal Welfare Act and accusations of animal mistreatment. During the commission meeting, Margate Commissioner Tommy Ruzzano defended Wallach, stating his love for animals and dismissing the protesters as hypocrites. Di Leonardo highlighted the dangers of exploiting sloths for entertainment, emphasizing that they are 'not a selfie prop.' The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission had previously suspended sloth imports for 60 days due to the Orlando incident, raising further alarm about the proposed attraction. Wallach, who did not attend the meeting, claimed he is committed to animal welfare and that his sloths will be well cared for in a suitable environment. However, local officials, including Hallandale Beach Vice Mayor Michele Lazarow, condemned the concept as inherently exploitative.