Animal rights activists want to save big cats after tiger outbreak

After the escape of a tiger near Leipzig, the question arises as to what will happen to the remaining eight big cats from the private enclosure. The animal welfare organization Vier Pfoten is offering to help relocate the animals to suitable and species-appropriate facilities. The authorities have not yet clarified how to proceed, according to the responsible district office in North Saxony.

A spokeswoman for Vier Pfoten said that investigations into the cause of the incident are currently being clarified. The organization has a sanctuary in Maßweiler in Rhineland-Palatinate, where big cats from private owners are also taken in.

Four Paws has three sanctuaries for big cats

There is also the "Felida" big cat sanctuary in the Netherlands, the spokesperson said. Big cats from various backgrounds, such as circuses, inappropriate private keeping and war-damaged zoos, are brought there and cared for. Once the big cats have recovered physically and mentally, they can be transferred to the larger "Lionsrock" rescue center in South Africa.

On Sunday afternoon, an adult male tiger escaped from the facility in an industrial park near the 9 freeway. A 72-year-old man was seriously injured. The police shot the tiger in the area of an allotment garden.

Authorities: Requirements had not been met

According to the district office, the private tiger keeping had not met the requirements. The keeper had been instructed to change this in the past,

according to the Animal Welfare Act, every animal must be housed "appropriately for its species and needs". However, the law does not specify what this means for big cats in general and tigers in particular.

The authorities therefore refer to the so-called mammal report of the Federal Ministry of Agriculture when assessing private animal husbandry. This states that for tigers, an outdoor enclosure of at least 200 square meters must be available for one or two animals. For each additional adult animal, there must be 100 square meters more.