Animal rescue groups help authorities confiscate an abandoned tiger, cougars, and other wild cats
Recently in Atchison, Kansas a wild animal problem was brought to the attention of the authorities. Nearly one dozen dangerous wild animals had been abandoned in their enclosures without access to food or clean water. The animal's owner has been charged for 10 violations, including cruelty to animals and violations of the Dangerous Regulated Animals Act.
Once the abandoned animals were discovered, the sheriff’s office worked with the Kansas City Zoo and The HSUS to provide food for the animals on an emergency basis. Zoo Veterinarians and Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association personnel were also on hand during the animal seizure.
The Atchison County Sheriff’s Office seized all of the animals. The animals, included a tiger, two cougars, three bobcats, two lynx, a serval, and two skunks. They were all living in enclosures that were inadequate in size and security. Sadly,the enclosures were also full of mud and feces and there was no appropriate enrichment for the animals.
Although Kansas law currently prohibits the keeping of dangerous regulated animals, including big cats, as pets, there are several provisions that render the law virtually ineffective. Specifically, the law allows people who have a U.S. Department of Agriculture license to maintain an inventory of dangerous animals.
According to Atchison County Undersheriff Joe Butner, “This case exemplifies the inherent problems with the existing law and the need for it to be strengthened. Most private individuals cannot provide humane and safe care for captive wild animals, which leaves law enforcement, taxpayers, and sanctuaries to shoulder the financial burden. We are thankful for the assistance and expertise of the organizations that helped rescue these animals.”
The Humane Society of the United States, Big Cat Rescue, In-Sync Exotics, Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and the Kansas City Zoo were all involved in placing the animals from the property and transported them to sanctuaries around the country.
The tiger was transported to The Fund for Animals’ Cleveland Amory Black Beauty Ranch in Murchison, Texas, an affiliate of The HSUS; the two cougars were taken to In-Sync Exotics Wildlife Rescue and Education Center in Wylie, Texas; the bobcats, lynx and serval will be provided homes at Big Cat Rescue in Tampa, Fla.; and the skunks will go to Operation Wildlife in Linwood, Kan.
All the animals will be thoroughly examined by a team of veterinarians and will receive any necessary immediate medical treatment. They will be held at the sanctuaries pending final disposition in this case.
VIDEO Big Cats and Other Exotic Animals Rescued in Kansas
no one should own these animals they should be free in their natural habitat
why in gods name is this allowed to happen to these beautiful animals. when as a society are we going to wake up and realize this should not be happening,Are there any law makers or politicians paying attention anywhere in this country, Us or Canada because we are just as bad in Canada. Shameful.
What this story is not telling you is that the owner was there in March when all of this started. He was arrest for Methamphetamine. He also put up a fight about them trying to take his animals. After he was arrested the law enforcement started the procedure of filing abandonment for these animals. I will say as a previous owner of exotics that these cages are too small and not properly provided toys and other items for the ones that I have seen. Sheriff can not be blamed for that. Also the security for these animal is appalling. The security for exotics is not only for the public but for the animal as well. Many people usually teens think and try to come in to steal, visit, bond with your animal. The animal doesn't know this stranger and their first action is to protect what is theirs, much like a dog. Only 100 x stronger than a dog not to mention deadly. The way these animals were secure you can tell the animal was not interested in leaving. He did have the Department of Agriculture license for Kansas. So even though they changed their laws he was licensed for these animals and if he didn't stupidly have drugs if he did even, it has not been verified that it was what they claimed. He claimed that they were medications for his animals. Which could be what it was. So if he is right and that is what they had when he was arrested then they are looking at a huge law suite. They had the responsibility to leave when he showed he was properly licensed and then they could approach him on improper facility and conditions. Improper enclosure security and safety. He was on privately owned property. The law enforcement was trespassing after they were shown he was properly licensed for his exotics. Shame the animals had to go through this. Whats even worse. Is because they may have fumbled this case a year up the road the county will be paying him and animals will have to be returned. He will be able to make repairs courtesy of the county they reside in. Just a thought.
TAKING ON A RESPONSIBILITY OF OWNING LARGE CATS IS SOMETHING EAT STATE MUST REALLY LOOK INTO. LAWS AND RULES MUST BE ENFORCED TO PREVENT CRUELTY LIKE THIS.
Bonjour à tous
C 'est super ce que vous avez fait pour ces animaux en détresse , j'espère que le fautif finira ses jours en prison . Mais ne peut -on les relâcher dans la nature ou est leur vraie vie ? Bravo à tous !!!