Mexican authorities seize tiger cub being walked on a dog leash in Tijuana
Published in Cats & Dogs News
TIJUANA, Mexico (UPI) -- Authorities in Mexico said they seized a 4-month-old Bengal tiger cub from a man seen walking the big cat on a dog leash in Tijuana.
Mexico's Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection, or PROFEPA, said Tijuana Municipal Police received a 911 call this week from a resident about the tiger cub being walked around the Lion Street neighborhood on a dog leash.
Police discovered the tiger was being kept as a pet and was living in the man's home with his family, which included young children.
PROFEPA said the man had documents showing he had purchased the tiger cub Dec. 20. The cub was found to be in good health and was completely declawed, but authorities seized the animal due to the conditions where it was being kept.
Officials said exotic animals in Mexico must be given adequate space, access to veterinary care, and a proper diet for their species. The man's home did not meet the requirements of Mexico's exotic pets laws.
PROFEPA said investigators determined keeping the tiger in the home placed the man's family at risk and his method of walking the animal on a dog leash presented a potential risk to the public.
The tiger was taken to a Tijuana zoo while the investigation continues.
Copyright 2017 by United Press International
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