Cat Haven founder appeals safety orders

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The founder of Cat Haven in eastern Fresno County is appealing safety orders handed down by the state.

The state Division of Occupational Safety and Health wants more locks on cage doors and have workers pair up and arm them with pepper spray.

But the Cat Haven founder, Dale Anderson, says he's worked around large cats for 23 years and he fears the safety measures will put workers in greater danger.

In March of 2013, a volunteer named Dianna Hanson was killed by a lion after it escaped from a partially closed feeding cage. Cat Haven was cleared of any wrong-doing in her death.

A spokesperson for Cal/OSHA says his department is focused on protecting workers.

The state's attorneys have offered to negotiate with Cat Haven but the park has not responded.